Incomplete Kawasaki disease presenting as complicated acute tonsillitis

Authors

  • Rita Pissarra Department of Pediatrics, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de São João https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3856-9537
  • Rita Amorim Department of Pediatrics, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de São João
  • Sara Catarino Department of Pediatrics, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de São João https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7774-9357
  • Joana Marques Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de São João; Department of Surgery and Physiology, Otorhinolaryngology, Faculty of Medicine, Universidade do Porto
  • Mariana Rodrigues Pediatric Rheumatology Unit, Centro Hospitalar Universitário São João https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4855-147X
  • Margarida Tavares Infectious diseases and Immunodeficiencies Pediatric Unit, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de São João https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9544-0484
  • Iva Brito Pediatric Rheumatology Unit, Centro Hospitalar Universitário São João

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.25753/BirthGrowthMJ.v31.i4.23745

Keywords:

mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome, retropharyngeal abscess, tonsillitis

Abstract

Introduction: Kawasaki disease (KD) is one of the most common vasculitides in childhood and may cause serious complications, namely coronary artery aneurism (CAA). KD may initially present with fever and otorhinolaryngological manifestations only, which may be misdiagnosed as deep neck infections.
Case report: A four-year-old female was admitted for complicated acute tonsillitis. Cervical computed tomography suggested an early retropharyngeal abscess. She received intravenous antibiotics and underwent two surgical procedures, without improvement. On day ten of fever, non-specific generalized rash and hand edema were noted, raising suspicion of incomplete KD. Echocardiogram revealed CAA. The girl was treated with intravenous immunoglobulin and corticosteroids, with clinical and laboratory improvement and CAA rapid and persistent resolution.
Discussion: Suspected complicated tonsillitis failing to respond to adequate treatment should raise suspicion of KD. Prompt treatment is critical to reducing cardiovascular sequelae. Two to three clinical criteria with supplemental laboratory criteria or a positive echocardiogram confirm the diagnosis of incomplete KD.

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Published

2022-12-27

How to Cite

1.
Pissarra R, Amorim R, Catarino S, Marques J, Rodrigues M, Tavares M, Brito I. Incomplete Kawasaki disease presenting as complicated acute tonsillitis. REVNEC [Internet]. 2022Dec.27 [cited 2025Jan.30];31(4):377-81. Available from: https://revistas.rcaap.pt/nascercrescer/article/view/23745

Issue

Vol. 31 No. 4 (2022)

Section

Case Reports

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