Clinical and radiological findings for the new multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children associated with COVID-19

Sánchez-Oro, R.; Fatahi Bandpey, M. L.; García Martínez, E.; Edo Prades, M.Á.; Alonso Muñoz, E. M.

The World Health Organization defines the multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) as a new syndrome reported in patients aged < 19 years old who have a history of exposure to SARS-CoV-2. The onset of this syndrome is characterized by persistent fever that is associated with lethargy, abdominal pain, vomiting and/or diarrhea, and, less frequently, rash and conjunctivitis. The course and severity of the signs and symptoms vary; in some children, MIS-C worsens rapidly and can lead to hypotension, cariogenic shock, or even damage to multiple organs. The characteristic laboratory findings are elevated markers of inflammation and heart dysfunction. The most common radiological findings are cardiomegaly, pleural effusion, signs of heart failure, ascites, and inflammatory changes in the right iliac fossa. In the context of the current COVID-19 pandemic, radiologists need to know the clinical, laboratory, and radiological characteristics of this syndrome to ensure the correct diagnosis.