Fatal cardiac tamponade in a patient with Kawasaki disease

Kawasaki disease (KD) is usually a self-limiting condition, but cardiac complications are not uncommon and can lead to significant morbidity and mortality. This article describes the case of an 18-year-old man with rapidly progressive and ultimately fatal KD. Polyserositis syndrome and cardiac tamponade developed during a convalescent phase of the illness. Treatment with high-dose corticosteroid and intravenous immunoglobulin-G therapy was unsuccessful. The patient continued to deteriorate despite supportive care. Severe cardiac tamponade developed, and percutaneous pericardiocentesis was performed, but the patient died hours later. This is the second reported case of KD featuring a polyserositis syndrome and impending cardiac tamponade, and the first with fatal outcome.