Facial nerve palsy complicating Kawasaki disease.
The diagnosis of Kawasaki disease, the most common cause of pediatric acquired heart disease, is difficult and often delayed for children whose age falls outside the typical range of 6 months to 5 years, especially in those with incomplete Kawasaki disease and atypical features. Delayed diagnosis is associated with an increased incidence of coronary artery pathology. Here we describe 2 cases of lower motor neuron facial nerve palsy complicating Kawasaki disease. In both cases the diagnosis of Kawasaki disease was not made acutely, and both patients developed extensive coronary artery lesions. These cases highlight the importance of considering Kawasaki disease in children with unexplained prolonged fever at any age, particularly those without full diagnostic criteria and with unusual features.
Wright
Helen
H
School of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Western Australia, Princess Margaret Medical Centre, GPO Box D184, WA 6000, Perth, Australia.
Waddington
Claire
C
Geddes
Janet
J
Newburger
Jane W
JW
Burgner
David
D
D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D018450:Disease Progression; D005158:Facial Paralysis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D009080:Mucocutaneous Lymph Node Syndrome / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis; D013997:Time Factors