Anterior Uveitis Associated with Kawasaki Disease-and the Ophthalmologist's Role

Purpose: To identify ophthalmologic features of Kawasaki disease (KD), and to evaluate anterior uveitis incidence in typical KD and atypical KD. Methods: We conducted a retrospective chart review of 60 patients who clinically suspected KD at The Catholic University of Korea Uijeongbu St. Mary's Hospital between October 2013 and January 2015. Results: Among a total of 60 patients, 46 were diagnosed with KD; 32 (69.57%) were typical KD and, 14 (30.43%) atypical KD. Anterior uveitis was reported in 69.57% of children with KD. Slit-lamp examination showed anterior chamber cells (average Standardization of Uveitis Nomenclature [SUN] grade 1.3) and the anterior uveitis fully resolved within 9.4 days after the onset of the disease. There was no significant difference in typical KD and atypical KD in terms of age, gender, or uveitis incidence. Conclusions: KD may progress with severe cardiac complications, eventually resulting in permanent sequale. Therefore, early diagnosis and therapeutic intervention is important in KD patients. Anterior uveitis as diagnostic criteria for KD has yielded 100% positive predictive value, 69.6% sensitivity and 100% specificity. Ophthalmologic examination may be useful for suspected KD patients, and a high index of suspicion is necessary in patients with anterior uveitis.