Abdominal Imaging Findings in Critically Ill Children With Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome Associated With COVID-19

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Radiology
• Pediatric Critical Care Medicine
• Pediatric Gastroenterology

Background:

• Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is a serious condition requiring prompt diagnosis.
• Abdominal imaging plays a crucial role in evaluating MIS-C complications.
• Understanding imaging findings is essential for effective patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the spectrum of abdominal imaging findings in critically ill children with MIS-C.
• To correlate sonographic and CT findings in this patient population.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of abdominal sonography and CT scans in critically ill children diagnosed with MIS-C.
• Detailed review of imaging features including organomegaly, inflammation, and fluid collections.

Main Results:

• Sonography demonstrated hepatomegaly, nephromegaly, gallbladder wall edema, ascites, intestinal inflammation, and mesenteric lymphadenopathy.
• CT revealed fluid-filled small bowel loops, terminal ileum mural thickening, diffuse lymphadenopathy, and moderate ascites.

Conclusions:

• Abdominal imaging, particularly sonography and CT, shows characteristic findings in critically ill children with MIS-C.
• These imaging findings can assist in the early diagnosis and management of MIS-C.