Time course of mice-model Kawasaki Disease An echocardiographic study and clinical implication

Abstract Background: Kawasaki disease is a primary cause of pediatric cardiac issues, with the risk of coronary artery complications, heart attacks, and untreated death. Approximately 10% of patients do not respond to initial high dose intravenous immunoglobulin treatment. Our unique model aimed to explore high resolution small animal ultrasound for coronary imaging and its correlation with histopathology and clinical progression. Methods: Eighteen BALB/c mice were divided into Kawasaki disease and control groups. Kawasaki disease was induced with a single intraperitoneal injection of Lactobacillus casei cell wall extract. High resolution small animal ultrasound monitored coronary changes on multiple days, and histopathological analysis covered various organs. Results: The findings reveal significant changes in coronary artery diameter, with both the left and right coronary arteries expanding considerably during the experiment. By day 21, the model group exhibited marked coronary artery widening. Ejection fraction and fractional shortening deteriorated significantly by day 14 compared to the baseline. The histopathology report offers a comprehensive timeline of cardiac involvement. Conclusion: Our model uniquely illustrates coronary arteritis and cardiac lesions in Kawasaki disease mice, emphasizing progressive coronary dilation, notably by day 21. Correlation with pathology supports our findings, shedding light on disease progression in this mouse model, suggesting a delayed course compared to human Kawasaki disease, with potential severe myocarditis.