It is a vasculitis, or inflammation of small and medium-sized blood vessels, affecting different organs. It usually affects infants and children under 7 years of age. It is more frequent in people from Japan and South Korea.
The cause is unknown, although it is attributed to an immunological origin.
It manifests with high fever, eye redness, red and/or cracked lips, red tongue with red dots, rash on trunk and/or limbs, redness on palms and soles and swollen neck nodes. Approximately 50% of children present cardiac involvement (tachycardia, arrhythmias) 10 days after the onset of the disease.
Diagnosis is based on clinical criteria. Blood tests, electrocardiogram and ultrasound of the heart may be necessary.
Treatment includes complete rest, and administration of acetylsalicylic acid, immunoglobulins and/or immunosuppressants. The evolution of the disease is usually good, mainly if treated within the first 10 days from the onset of symptoms.
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