# Kawasaki Disease in a Young Adult: A Case Report and a Review of the Literature

## TL;DR

A 21-year-old woman was diagnosed with Kawasaki disease, a rare condition in adults, and treated successfully to avoid serious heart complications.

## Contribution

This case report highlights the atypical presentation of Kawasaki disease in an adult and underscores the importance of early diagnosis.

## Key findings

- The patient showed symptoms like fever, strawberry tongue, and skin peeling, leading to a KD diagnosis.
- Treatment with acetylsalicylic acid and intravenous immunoglobulin led to rapid improvement.
- Early recognition is crucial to prevent severe cardiovascular complications in adult KD cases.

## Abstract

This case report describes a 21-year-old female who was diagnosed with Kawasaki disease (KD), a rare condition in adults. Careful clinical assessment, including the history of a recent upper respiratory tract infection and the physical findings of fever, sinus tachycardia, strawberry tongue, and skin peeling of the hands and feet, prompted further evaluation. Laboratory findings supported an inflammatory process, and multidisciplinary consultations led to the diagnosis of KD. Prompt treatment with acetylsalicylic acid and intravenous immunoglobulin resulted in rapid improvement and prevention of the severe complications associated with untreated KD, particularly in the cardiovascular system. This case emphasizes the importance of the high risk of suspicion and the need for a comprehensive evaluation in atypical presentations of KD in adults, where early recognition and management are crucial to prevent long-term sequelae such as coronary artery aneurysms and myocardial infarction.