Which clinical findings indicate a suspected case of Kawasaki syndrome?

Which clinical findings indicate a suspected case of Kawasaki syndrome?

• A. Bilateral red conjunctiva without drainage
• B. Fever with unilateral cervical lymphadenopathy
• C. Strawberry tongue and swelling of hands and feet
• D. All of the above

Answer: (D)

Kawasaki syndrome is an acute systemic vasculitis affecting primarily children, and its diagnosis is based on a combination of clinical findings. The appropriate clinical findings include prolonged fever, conjunctival injection (red eyes), oral changes (such as strawberry tongue), and peripheral symptoms like swelling of the hands and feet. The presence of bilateral red conjunctiva without drainage highlights one of the classic features of Kawasaki syndrome, indicating significant inflammation, which is a key component in diagnosing the condition. Fever accompanied by unilateral cervical lymphadenopathy can also be associated with Kawasaki syndrome, though the condition typically presents with bilateral lymphadenopathy. Nevertheless, the occurrence of fever and lymphadenopathy is important in the clinical picture. The characteristic strawberry tongue and swelling of the hands and feet are iconic signs of Kawasaki syndrome. The strawberry tongue refers to a red, bumpy surface of the tongue, while swelling of the hands and feet reflects systemic involvement of the skin and mucosal tissues. Since all these clinical findings point towards Kawasaki syndrome and collectively establish a clear suspicion for the diagnosis, the correct choice acknowledges the significance of each finding in contributing to the overall evaluation of the disease.

Kawasaki syndrome is an acute systemic vasculitis affecting primarily children, and its diagnosis is based on a combination of clinical findings. The appropriate clinical findings include prolonged fever, conjunctival injection (red eyes), oral changes (such as strawberry tongue), and peripheral symptoms like swelling of the hands and feet.

The presence of bilateral red conjunctiva without drainage highlights one of the classic features of Kawasaki syndrome, indicating significant inflammation, which is a key component in diagnosing the condition.

Fever accompanied by unilateral cervical lymphadenopathy can also be associated with Kawasaki syndrome, though the condition typically presents with bilateral lymphadenopathy. Nevertheless, the occurrence of fever and lymphadenopathy is important in the clinical picture.

The characteristic strawberry tongue and swelling of the hands and feet are iconic signs of Kawasaki syndrome. The strawberry tongue refers to a red, bumpy surface of the tongue, while swelling of the hands and feet reflects systemic involvement of the skin and mucosal tissues.

Since all these clinical findings point towards Kawasaki syndrome and collectively establish a clear suspicion for the diagnosis, the correct choice acknowledges the significance of each finding in contributing to the overall evaluation of the disease.