Typical and Incomplete Kawasaki Disease in Infants: A Case Series Highlighting Diagnostic Challenges and Cardiac Outcomes

Abstract

Background
Kawasaki disease (KD) is an acute, self-limiting vasculitis predominantly affecting children under five years of age and is a leading cause of acquired heart disease in children. It is characterized by prolonged fever and mucocutaneous inflammation, with a risk of developing coronary artery abnormalities if left untreated. We report two cases of infantile Kawasaki disease with variable clinical presentations. The first case involved a 1-year-old female presenting with prolonged fever, mucocutaneous features, and elevated inflammatory markers, consistent with typical KD. The second case involved a 4.5-month-old infant with incomplete clinical features but significant coronary artery aneurysmal dilatation on echocardiography. Both patients were treated with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) and aspirin, resulting in clinical improvement. These cases highlight the importance of early recognition of both typical and incomplete Kawasaki disease, especially in infants, to prevent cardiac complications.