ABSTRACT
Kawasaki disease (mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome) is a systemic vasculitis of early childhood, with a prevalence of 3.4 per 100 000 children under 5 years in the British Isles. Oriental races are more at risk than Caucasian (80 000 reported cases in Japan), and although epidemiological studies are highly suggestive of an infective aetiology no definite pathogen has yet been established. Sudden death from coronary complications occurs in at least 2% of cases, and although specific therapy with aspirin and intravenous immunoglobulin may reduce coronary artery abnormalities, treatment must be given during the initial 10 days of the illness to be of benefit. Prompt diagnosis is therefore essential.
