[Kawasaki vasculitis].

Kawasaki disease is an acute febrile illness recognized most often in children under 4 years of age. It is characterized by mucosal inflammation, indurative edema of the hands and feet, skin rash and cervical lymphadenopathy. This is an acute systemic vasculitis syndrome of unknown etiology which has been recognized not only in Japan but all over the world. This article reports on the clinical spectrum of Kawasaki disease, analysis of coronary artery and other lesions, and long-term cardiovascular problems including premature atherosclerosis. The etiology and pathogenesis of this disease are still unknown. Current hypotheses and leading studies on the etiology and the pathogenesis of Kawasaki disease are also reviewed.