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Published in: Journal of Medical Case Reports 1/2009

Open Access 01-12-2009 | Case report

Kawasaki disease following Rocky Mountain spotted fever: a case report

Authors: Aswine K Bal, Steven W Kairys

Published in: Journal of Medical Case Reports | Issue 1/2009

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Abstract

Introduction

Kawasaki disease is an idiopathic acute systemic vasculitis of childhood. Although it simulates the clinical features of many infectious diseases, an infectious etiology has not been established. This is the first reported case of Kawasaki disease following Rocky Mountain spotted fever.

Case presentation

We report the case of a 4-year-old girl who presented with fever and petechial rash. Serology confirmed Rocky Mountain spotted fever. While being treated with intravenous doxycycline, she developed swelling of her hands and feet. She had the clinical features of Kawasaki disease which resolved after therapy with intravenous immune globulin (IVIG) and aspirin.

Conclusion

This case report suggests that Kawasaki disease can occur concurrently or immediately after a rickettsial illness such as Rocky Mountain spotted fever, hypothesizing an antigen-driven immune response to a rickettsial antigen.
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Metadata
Title
Kawasaki disease following Rocky Mountain spotted fever: a case report
Authors
Aswine K Bal
Steven W Kairys
Publication date
01-12-2009
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Journal of Medical Case Reports / Issue 1/2009
Electronic ISSN: 1752-1947
DOI
https://doi.org/10.4076/1752-1947-3-7320

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