In Kawasaki disease, what imaging study is commonly used as screening for coronary involvement?

In Kawasaki disease, what imaging study is commonly used as screening for coronary involvement?

• A. Chest X-ray
• B. Echocardiogram
• C. Abdominal ultrasound
• D. EEG

Answer: (B)

Imaging to screen for coronary involvement in Kawasaki disease relies on echocardiography. This vasculitis can affect the coronary arteries, and the most important early finding to detect is dilation or aneurysm of the coronaries. A transthoracic echocardiogram visualizes the proximal coronary arteries and the heart’s function, allowing detection of aneurysms, assessment of valve involvement, and monitoring over time. It’s noninvasive, radiation-free, and repeatable, which is ideal for serial assessments during the acute phase and follow-up. Chest X-ray might show heart size changes but doesn’t evaluate the coronary arteries; abdominal ultrasound and EEG don’t assess coronary vessels and aren’t used for this purpose.

Imaging to screen for coronary involvement in Kawasaki disease relies on echocardiography. This vasculitis can affect the coronary arteries, and the most important early finding to detect is dilation or aneurysm of the coronaries. A transthoracic echocardiogram visualizes the proximal coronary arteries and the heart’s function, allowing detection of aneurysms, assessment of valve involvement, and monitoring over time. It’s noninvasive, radiation-free, and repeatable, which is ideal for serial assessments during the acute phase and follow-up. Chest X-ray might show heart size changes but doesn’t evaluate the coronary arteries; abdominal ultrasound and EEG don’t assess coronary vessels and aren’t used for this purpose.