Virtual histology intravascular ultrasound evaluation of coronary artery lesions within 1 year and more than 10 years after the onset of Kawasaki disease

Acute myocardial infarction caused by Kawasaki disease requires more intensive therapy: Insights from the Japanese registry of All Cardiac and Vascular Diseases-Diagnosis Procedure combination

BACKGROUND

Kawasaki disease (KD) induces coronary arteritis, which causes subsequent coronary aneurysms, and contributes to acute myocardial infarction (AMI). However, the differences regarding real-world treatment selection and mortality between AMI-complicated KD and AMI due to typical atherosclerosis (AMI-non KD) are unknown.

AIM

The aim of the present study was to examine the current treatment strategy and prognosis of AMI-complicated KD compared with AMI due to typical atherosclerosis.

METHOD

We used data from 2012 to 2019 from a nationwide claim database, the Japanese Registry of All Cardiac and Vascular Diseases-Diagnosis Procedure Combination.

RESULTS

Compared to the AMI-non KD patients (n = 70,227), the AMI-complicated KD patients (n = 73): (1) underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) less often and more coronary artery bypass grafting, intracoronary thrombolysis or intravenous coronary thrombolysis more often; (2) underwent stentless PCI using old balloon angioplasty or rotablator, when they underwent PCI; and (3) needed in-hospital cardiopulmonary resuscitation and intensive mechanical therapy such as intra-aortic balloon pump, percutaneous cardiopulmonary support or a respirator. Both the AMI-non KD and AMI-complicated KD patients had similar in-hospital mortality rates.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with AMI-non KD patients, AMI-complicated KD patients underwent non-PCI strategies such as bypass surgery or thrombolysis, and required intensive therapy with mechanical supports more often, but presented similar in-hospital mortality. When the AMI-complicated KD patients underwent PCI, stentless PCI using balloon angioplasty or rotablator was performed more often compared with the AMI-non KD patients.

Coronary arterial abnormalities detected in children over 10 years following initial Kawasaki disease using cardiac computed tomography

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate whether Kawasaki disease predisposes to premature atherosclerosis and to assess status of coronary artery abnormalities at least 10 years after diagnosis.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A prospective study was carried out on 21 patients who were diagnosed with Kawasaki disease at least 10 years back and are on regular follow-up. The study was conducted on 128 Slice Dual Source computed tomography scanner with electrocardiography-triggered radiation optimised protocols for assessment of coronary artery abnormalities and calcifications.

RESULTS

Study cohort had 21 subjects - 15 males and 6 females (age range: 11-23 years; mean: 15.76 + 3.72 years). Mean age at time of diagnosis was 3.21 + 2.48 years. Mean time interval from diagnosis of Kawasaki disease to computed tomography coronary angiography was 12.59 + 2.89 years. Four children had evidence of coronary artery abnormalities on transthoracic echocardiography at time of diagnosis. Of these, two had persistent abnormalities on computed tomography coronary angiography. One subject (4.76%) had coronary calcification that was localised to abnormal coronary artery segment. Four coronary artery abnormalities (one saccular; three fusiform aneurysms) were noted in two subjects.

CONCLUSION

Prevalence of coronary artery calcification is low and, if present, is localised to abnormal segments. This calcification is likely dystrophic rather than atherosclerotic. It appears that coronary artery abnormalities can persist for several years after acute episode of Kawasaki disease. Periodic follow-up by computed tomography coronary angiography is now a feasible non-invasive imaging modality for long term surveillance of patients with Kawasaki disease who had coronary artery abnormalities at time of diagnosis.

An Update on Cardiovascular Risk Factors After Kawasaki Disease

First described in Japan 50 years ago, Kawasaki disease is a worldwide multisystem disease. It is an acute self-limited vasculitis of unknown etiology that can lead to coronary artery lesions, such as dilatation, aneurysms, and stenosis in children. It is one of the common causes of acquired heart disease among children in developed countries. The coronary aneurysm is a severe complication in the acute stage, possibly leading to stenotic lesions or myocardial ischemia. More concerns have centered on endothelial damage and the early onset of atherosclerosis in patients with KD. Although the coronary artery aneurysm is small or degenerated, the vascular structure does not return to normal, vascular endothelial dysfunction and remodeling continue. Most patients diagnosed with coronary artery sequelae are at risk of long-term complications. There are still many unknown aspects regarding the long-term prognosis of patients. Concerns have centered on the early onset of atherosclerosis in patients with KD. There is still no consensus on the relationship between Kawasaki disease and atherosclerosis. This study aimed to evaluate if patients with a history of KD were at risk of accelerated atherosclerosis.