Facial nerve palsy presenting as rare neurological complication of Kawasaki disease: A case report

RATIONALE: Facial nerve palsy (FNP) is one of the rare neurologic symptoms of Kawasaki disease (KD), associated with a higher incidence of coronary arteries lesions and may be an indicator of more severe disease. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 3-month-old male infant with persistent fever, irritability, and facial asymmetry. DIAGNOSES: KD with FNP. INTERVENTIONS: The infant received intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) (2 g/kg/16 hours) and aspirin (50 mg/kg/day) were started on the 8th day of illness. OUTCOMES: Fever and FNP resolved within 48 hours after IVIG treatment. The inflammatory markers all improved to normal or near-normal levels before discharge; all infectious studies returned negative. His left facial weakness was unappreciable at day of discharge. LESSONS: FNP associated with KD is an uncommon finding but may indicate an increased risk of coronary artery involvement. KD should always be kept in mind in the differential diagnosis of a child who presents with prolonged unexplained fever, even with incomplete diagnostic features, as well as the need to be aware of unusual manifestations, such as FNP.