AORTIC-VALVE REPLACEMENT FOR AORTIC REGURGITATION DUE TO KAWASAKI-DISEASE - REPORT OF 2 CASES

Two cases of severe aortic regurgitation due to Kawasaki disease are r eported. Both patients were diagnosed as having Kawasaki disease in th eir infancy, and were followed up by a pediatrician. Aortic regurgitat ion was detected 18 months in one case and 36 days in the other case a fter onset of the illness. With the passage of time, the aortic regurg itation increased and aortic valve replacement was scheduled in both p atient at the age of 13. On admission, two-dimensional echocardiograph y showed thickening of the aortic cusps, and severe aortic regurgitati on was detected by color flow Doppler studies. Successful aortic valve replacement was performed, and histological studies of the cusps show ed sequelae of valvulitis. In conclusion, aortic regurgitation is a ra re complication of Kawasaki disease, and the aortic valve function, es pecially occurrence of aortic regurgitation, should be carefully obser ved in patients with a past history of Kawasaki disease.