A serious complication of Kawasaki disease is which of the following?

• A. Coronary artery aneurysm
• B. Atrial fibrillation
• C. Pulmonary embolism
• D. Renal artery stenosis

Answer: (A)

Kawasaki disease is a vasculitis that chiefly targets medium-sized arteries, with the coronary arteries being the most important. The inflammation can weaken the vessel walls and lead to the formation of coronary artery aneurysms. These aneurysms can thrombose or rupture, causing myocardial ischemia or infarction, which is why this is the most serious long‑term complication. Prompt treatment with IVIG and high-dose aspirin reduces the risk substantially.

Other potential problems like atrial fibrillation, pulmonary embolism, or renal artery stenosis are not typical primary complications of Kawasaki disease. Atrial fibrillation is uncommon in children, pulmonary embolism would be unusual unless there are other risk factors, and renal artery stenosis isn’t associated with Kawasaki disease.