Which condition is a systemic inflammatory response affecting the blood vessels?

Kawasaki disease is a systemic inflammatory response that primarily affects children and involves a significant inflammation of the blood vessels, particularly the coronary arteries. This condition can lead to serious complications such as coronary artery aneurysms if not treated appropriately. The inflammation in Kawasaki disease is characterized by an extensive vasculitis, which results in the activation of the immune system and the subsequent potential for long-term cardiovascular issues.

In contrast, rheumatic fever, while also an inflammatory condition resulting from streptococcal infection, primarily affects the heart, joints, skin, and nervous system but does not cause systemic vasculitis in the same way as Kawasaki disease. Cyanotic heart disease and congenital heart defects refer to structural abnormalities of the heart that do not involve a systemic inflammatory response affecting the blood vessels.