Incomplete Kawasaki Disease Presenting as Retropharyngeal Abscess: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Abstract

Kawasaki disease (KD) is a cryptic and self-limiting vasculitis predominantly seen in children, often posing a diagnostic challenge due to its varied clinical presentations. Among these, the emergence of deep neck infections, particularly retropharyngeal abscesses, stands out as an extremely rare manifestation. Herein, we present a case of a 10-year-old girl who was hospitalized for fever, neck pain, swollen cervical lymph nodes, and increased inflammation markers. Although anti-infective treatment was initiated, her condition remained unchanged. A cervical computed tomography scan revealed an abscess in the retropharyngeal space. Remarkably, on the third day post-admission, the patient developed symptoms synonymous with KD, such as conjunctival redness, reddened lips, and a strawberry tongue. Subsequent treatment with high-dose intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG) and oral aspirin led to swift symptom relief, including complete abscess resolution verified by a follow-up neck magnetic resonance imaging. This unique co-presentation of KD and a retropharyngeal abscess, possibly linked to infections like Streptococcus or Staphylococcus aureus, underscores the importance of quick diagnosis and KD management, especially when conventional treatments prove ineffective.