Risk factors for retropharyngeal cellulitis in Kawasaki disease

Low-density lesions in the retropharyngeal space were identified by CECT in 3.6% of the KD patients. Early diagnosis of KD is essential because coronary artery lesions develop in 50% of untreated patients. If a child presents with fever, cervical lymphadenopathy, and swelling of the retropharyngeal space, KD should be included in the differential diagnoses.