Vasculitis

Question 1

What is vasculitis?

Answer 1

Inflammation of blood vessels, causing vessel wall thickening and reduced blood flow, potentially leading to organ and tissue damage.

Question 2

Name two examples of vasculitis.

Answer 2

Henoch-Schönlein Purpura (HSP) and Kawasaki Disease (KD).

Question 3

What is Kawasaki Disease?

Answer 3

A systemic inflammatory process in young children affecting multiple organs and tissues, especially the coronary arteries.

Question 4

What immune response characterizes Kawasaki Disease?

Answer 4

Antigen-driven IgA immune response.

Question 5

What are the five clinical features required (in addition to fever) for Kawasaki Disease diagnosis?

Answer 5

1) Bilateral conjunctival injection | 2) Changes in lips/oral cavity (Strawberry tongue) | 3) Cervical lymphadenopathy | 4) Extremity changes (edema/peeling of hands) | 5) Polymorphous rash

Question 6

What are complications of Kawasaki Disease?

Answer 6

Coronary heart disease, cardiomyopathy, and coronary aneurysm.

Question 7

What is the most important investigation for Kawasaki Disease?

Answer 7

Echocardiography (ECHO).

Question 8

What is the treatment for Kawasaki Disease?

Answer 8

1) High-dose aspirin (50-100 mg/kg/day for 4 doses) → Low-dose aspirin (3-5 mg/kg/day for 6 weeks after fever subsides) | 2) IVIG (1-2 g/kg over 8-12 hours)

Question 9

A 3-year-old child has had a fever (38.5°C) for 7 days, cervical lymphadenopathy, and eye congestion. The fever did not respond to antibiotics. What is the most probable diagnosis?

Answer 9

Kawasaki Disease.

Question 10

A 3-year-old child has fever (38.5°C) for 7 days, cervical lymphadenopathy, and eye congestion. What is the most important investigation to request?

Answer 10

Echocardiography (ECHO).