Forum for Nordic Dermato-Venereology Nr1,2019 | Page 29

Luit Penninga, Anne Kathrine Lorentzen and Carsten Sauer Mikkelsen – Kawasaki Disease: Two Episodes of Recurrent Disease in a
Greenlandic Inuit Boy
The aetiology of Kawasaki disease is unknown (9). It is thought
to be caused by an overreaction of the immune system follow-
ing a mild infection (1). The disease is more common in Asian
people, and the incidence of Kawasaki disease is 8–10 times
higher in Japan compared with Northern America (6, 7, 9).
The incidence of Kawasaki disease among Inuits is unknown.
Recurrence of Kawasaki disease is rare and occurs in only
1–4% of cases (6, 7, 10–12). An incomplete immune response
is thought to be the primary reason for recurrence of Kawasaki
disease (6, 11). In the current case, the patient experienced
two episodes of recurrent disease, which is extremely rare.
In all 3 episodes, the patient presented with a rash, oral mu-
cocutaneous symptoms, bilateral conjunctivitis and cervical
lymphadenopathy. Hence, the diagnosis of Kawasaki disease
is very likely. Due to the frequent recurrences, the patient
was tested for immunological disease and genetic defects, but
none were found.
Treatment of Kawasaki disease consists of administration of
intravenous immunoglobulins (5). Immunoglobulins reduce
the incidence of cardiovascular complications and coronary
aneurysms five-fold when given within the first 10 days of
disease, compared with no administration of immunoglobu-
lins (5). Hence, early diagnosis is important to allow for early
treatment and reduction of cardiovascular complications.
R eferences
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Forum for Nord Derm Ven 2019, Vol. 24, No. 1
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C ase R eport
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