Mr imaging of coronary artery aneurysms in a child with Kawasaki disease

Abstract

In Kawasaki disease, early attention was focused on prompt recognition, acute management, and efforts to determine the origin. As knowledge of the disease has evolved, it has become evident that the major mortality arises from complications of coronary artery aneurysm formation. The utility of cardiac MR imaging, when coupled with an ECG gating system, has been well documented. In a recent report describing the use of MR imaging for evaluating the anatomy of the normal aortic root and major proximal portions of the coronary arteries in adults, questions were raised concerning its limitations. However, there is evidence for application of this noninvasive imaging technique in selected clinical situations. We describe the use of MR imaging for evaluating coronary artery aneurysms in a child with Kawasaki disease.