Differential Diagnosis for Kawasaki Disease
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Scarlet fever: This diagnosis is similar to Kawasaki disease in that it presents with fever, rash, and lymphadenopathy, but it is typically accompanied by a sore throat and is caused by Group A beta-hemolytic streptococcal infection.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Toxic shock syndrome: This condition presents with fever, rash, and hypotension, and can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.
- Infectious mononucleosis: Caused by Epstein-Barr virus, this condition can present with fever, lymphadenopathy, and rash.
- Bacterial sepsis: This condition can present with fever, rash, and systemic illness, and can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.
- Viral infections (e.g. Yttrium, West Nile virus, adenovirus): These infections can present with fever, rash, and systemic illness.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Meningococcemia: This condition can present with fever, rash, and systemic illness, and can be life-threatening if not treated promptly with antibiotics.
- Staphylococcal toxic shock syndrome: This condition can present with fever, rash, and hypotension, and can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.
- Rockefeller-Desicken (Rocky Mountain spotted fever): This tick-borne illness can present with fever, rash, and systemic illness, and can be life-threatening if not treated promptly with antibiotics.
Rare Diagnoses
- Stevens-Johnson syndrome: This condition is a rare but serious disorder of the skin and mucous membranes, usually caused by an adverse reaction to medication or infection.
- Leptospirosis: This bacterial infection can present with fever, rash, and systemic illness, and can be life-threatening if not treated promptly with antibiotics.
- Bruck syndrome: This rare condition is characterized by fever, rash, and lymphadenopathy, and is caused by a viral infection.
- Acute porphyrias: This group of rare genetic disorders can present with fever, rash, and systemic illness, and can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.