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Adult Kawasaki-Like Syndrome

A rare adult systemic vasculitic syndrome resembling Kawasaki disease with multisystem inflammation and coronary involvement risk.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları) department. Book Appointment →

What is Adult Kawasaki-Like Syndrome?

Adult Kawasaki-like syndrome is a rare medium-vessel vasculitis sharing clinical features with childhood Kawasaki disease, including persistent high fever, bilateral non-purulent conjunctivitis, oropharyngeal mucosal changes, polymorphous rash and acral changes. Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in adults (MIS-A) following SARS-CoV-2 infection has shown significant overlap.

Pathophysiology includes immune dysregulation with cytokine release and endothelial activation. Coronary artery aneurysms, although less common than in children, remain a feared complication and require echocardiographic and CT angiographic surveillance.

Treatment is extrapolated from pediatric protocols and includes intravenous immunoglobulin and high-dose aspirin, with corticosteroids and biologic agents (anakinra, infliximab) reserved for refractory disease or those at high risk for coronary involvement.

Symptoms

Fever ≥5 days
Bilateral non-purulent conjunctivitis
Oropharyngeal erythema and strawberry tongue
Polymorphous rash
Cervical lymphadenopathy
Acral edema and desquamation
Cardiac symptoms (rare)

Risk Factors

Recent SARS-CoV-2 infection
Young adulthood (<40 years)
Genetic susceptibility
Asian descent
Underlying immune dysregulation
Recent viral infection
Family history of Kawasaki disease

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • Persistent fever with mucocutaneous findings
  • Acral edema or desquamation
  • Suspected MIS-A after COVID-19
  • Echocardiographic abnormalities
  • New cardiac symptoms
  • Failure of empirical antibiotics

Treatment Methods

01
Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG)
02
High-dose aspirin then antiplatelet dose
03
Corticosteroids in high-risk or refractory cases
04
Anakinra or infliximab for refractory disease
05
Coronary surveillance with echo and CT
06
Anticoagulation if coronary aneurysm
07
Multidisciplinary cardiology and rheumatology

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları) department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.