Adult-onset recurrent Kawasaki disease: an unusual cause of fever of unknown origin

Abstract

We present the case of a 20-year-old man with a background of transposition of the great arteries presenting with fever of unknown origin, who developed a shock like syndrome with respiratory failure necessitating intubation. After extensive investigation, a diagnosis of adult-onset Kawasaki disease was made, and he was successfully treated with IVIg and corticosteroids. We present the clinical findings clinicians should be aware of, and review the literature on managing this rare presentation in adult, highlighting the importance of early diagnosis in improving outcomes. Both children and adults with Kawasaki disease require long-term follow-up, as they remain at increased risk of both coronary artery aneurysms and early acute coronary syndrome.