What serious complication can Kawasaki's disease lead to?

Kawasaki disease is known for its potential to cause significant vascular complications, particularly affecting the coronary arteries. The condition leads to inflammation of the blood vessels, specifically the medium-sized arteries, which include the coronary arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle.

When the coronary arteries are affected by Kawasaki disease, they can develop aneurysms or become narrowed (stenosis), leading to coronary artery disease. This can subsequently result in ischemia (insufficient blood flow) to the heart muscle, which increases the risk for myocardial infarction (heart attack) even in young patients.

While heart failure, valvular heart disease, and aortic stenosis are serious cardiac issues, they are not direct complications associated with Kawasaki disease in the same manner as coronary artery disease. The predominant concern with Kawasaki disease revolves around its impact on coronary arteries and the long-term risk of developing coronary artery disease as a consequence of the inflammatory process.