What is Adult Kawasaki disease?

Kawasaki disease is an acute, multisystem inflammatory condition that affects blood vessels, most commonly in children. In some rare cases, adults develop the condition. The arteries responsible for transporting blood to the heart may become inflamed, leading to bulges on the artery walls, an inflamed heart muscle (myocarditis), or other symptoms. It is believed that adult Kawasaki disease is the result of an environmental trigger that affect only genetically susceptible individuals.

Symptoms of Kawasaki disease

The symptoms can range from the following:

  • Fever
  • Swollen hands
  • Swollen feet
  • Reddening of the eyes
  • Red, cracked lips and red tongue
  • Swollen lymph nodes in the neck

For adults suffering from this condition, inflammation of the heart occurs, including an abnormally high heart rate, decreased heart function, or heart failure. 

male patient with medical staff's hand on shoulder

Diagnosis and treatment for adult Kawasaki disease

The first step in planning treatment is diagnosing the condition, evaluating the extent of the inflammation, and locating the areas of the heart that are affected. The tests may include:

  • Echocardiogram
  • CKG
  • Stress testing
  • Coronary angiography

The disease is typically treated with high-dose intravenous immune globulin, or IGIV. This fluid is extracted from the blood, contains antibodies, and can reduce the damage to the heart and arteries. If the heart and arteries have been damaged during the course of the disease, the extent of the damage must be evaluated and an effective treatment performed. In some very severe cases, coronary bypass surgery is advised, or in some cases, heart transplant surgery.

The types of heart damage that can result from adult Kawasaki disease include:

  • Coronary artery inflammation
  • Aneurysms
  • Blood clots
  • Heart attack
  • Internal bleeding

Without question, treating the condition as early as possible is crucial to the health and long-term survival of the patient. If you or a family member has been diagnosed with adult Kawasaki disease, our team of heart specialists at San Diego Cardiac Center can perform a range of advanced diagnostic tests to identify any heart problems and develop a treatment plan.

Why choose San Diego Cardiac Center?

Your heart health could not be more important to every aspect of your overall health. Dr. Jiken Bhatt specializes in adult Kawasaki disease in San Diego, and has the largest group of adult Kawasaki disease patients of any single cardiologist in North America.

Dr. Bhatt is board certified in Internal Medicine and Cardiology. He stays at the forefront of the latest developments in heart medicine and delivers the most effective treatments for cardiology and adult Kawasaki disease at San Diego Cardiac Center. If you or someone you know is suffering from adult Kawasaki disease, contact our office to set up a consultation with Dr. Bhatt

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