What imaging or testing is typically ordered for a child suspected of Kawasaki disease?

Kawasaki disease is an acute inflammatory condition that primarily affects children and can lead to serious cardiovascular complications, particularly affecting the coronary arteries. To assess the impact of this disease on the heart and blood vessels, an echocardiogram is commonly ordered. This non-invasive ultrasound test allows healthcare providers to visualize the heart's structure and function, assess for any coronary artery enlargement (aneurysms), and evaluate overall cardiac performance.

The echocardiogram is particularly important in the context of Kawasaki disease because early diagnosis and monitoring can significantly influence management and outcomes, helping to prevent long-term complications. Other imaging options, such as a chest X-ray, CT scan of the abdomen, or MRI of the brain, do not provide the necessary information about heart involvement in Kawasaki disease, making them less relevant for this specific diagnosis.