Kawasaki disease primarily affects which type of blood vessels?

Appeared in: NORCET 9 Mains - 2025

Explanation

Kawasaki disease (KD) is medically defined as a medium-vessel vasculitis.
The disease has a strong predilection for the coronary arteries, which are medium-sized muscular arteries.
This involvement is clinically significant because it can lead to the formation of coronary artery aneurysms, the most severe complication of KD.
Treatment with IVIG and aspirin is aimed at reducing inflammation in these medium-sized vessels to prevent long-term cardiac damage.

Option B: Vasculitis affecting large vessels, such as the aorta and its main branches, is not characteristic of Kawasaki disease.
Option C: While some small vessels can be inflamed in Kawasaki disease, the primary and most clinically significant involvement is in medium-sized vessels.
Option D: This option is incorrect because Kawasaki disease has a well-established classification as a medium-vessel vasculitis.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Knowing Classification of vasculitis by vessel size helps nurses interpret findings accurately and avoid errors in routine assessment, medication administration, and patient teaching.
A nurse's primary role in managing a child with Kawasaki disease is vigilant cardiac monitoring due to the high risk of coronary artery aneurysms, which can lead to myocardial infarction or sudden death.
Prompt administration of Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIG) and high-dose aspirin is critical. The nurse must monitor for therapeutic effects (fever reduction) and adverse reactions.
Patient and family education is crucial, especially regarding the importance of follow-up echocardiograms and adherence to long-term low-dose aspirin therapy.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key term in the question stem: 'Kawasaki disease'.
This is a factual recall question. Access your knowledge about the pathophysiology of Kawasaki disease.
Recall that vasculitis (inflammation of blood vessels) is the core pathology and that these conditions are often classified by the size of the vessel predominantly affected.
Remember that Kawasaki disease is famous for its impact on the heart, specifically the coronary arteries. Classify coronary arteries as 'medium-sized'.
Evaluate the options: 'Medium vessels' directly matches this understanding. 'Large vessels' (like the aorta) and 'small vessels' (like capillaries) are associated with other distinct vasculitic syndromes.
Select the option that correctly classifies the primary site of vessel involvement in Kawasaki disease.

Concept Tested & Keywords

QUYPBuIrYV2yBMGDT5_uSu

E6 Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics(2024) — Volume 1 p. 1553-1555

E6 Ghai Essential Pediatrics(pp 26-904 of 913) p. 658-660

Practise the full NORCET 9 Mains - 2025

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.