COVID-19-Associated Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome Complicated with Giant Coronary Artery Aneurysm

Mohammad Reza Navaeifar1, Leila Shahbaznejad1, Ali Sadeghi Lotfabadi2

  • 1Pediatric Infectious Diseases Research Center, Communicable Diseases Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.

Insights

This case report details a child with multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) and Kawasaki disease (KD) during the COVID-19 pandemic, complicated by giant coronary artery aneurysm (CAA). Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for managing severe COVID-19 complications in pediatric patients.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Infectious Diseases
  • Cardiology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Initial assumptions suggested COVID-19 was mild in children, but severe complications like MIS-C have emerged.
  • Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) and Kawasaki Disease (KD) share overlapping symptoms, complicating pediatric COVID-19 diagnosis.
  • Understanding MIS-C's presentation and progression is vital for effective pediatric COVID-19 management.

Observation:

  • A 14-month-old boy presented with fever, irritability, and rash, initially treated for Kawasaki Disease (KD).
  • The patient had COVID-19 exposure, with initial negative RT-PCR but later positive IgM and seroconversion to IgG.
  • Despite KD treatment, coronary artery ectasia progressed to hypotension, leading to a MIS-C diagnosis and development of giant coronary artery aneurysm (CAA).

Findings:

  • The case highlights a rare presentation of MIS-C with concurrent KD, complicated by giant CAA in a pediatric COVID-19 patient.
  • Treatment with immunoglobulin, methylprednisolone, and infliximab led to a significant decrease in CAA size.
  • This report is the first in Iran to document MIS-C during the COVID-19 pandemic, associated with KD and giant CAA.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the importance of considering MIS-C in children with KD-like symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Aggressive management strategies may be effective in mitigating severe cardiovascular complications like giant CAA.
  • Further research is needed to elucidate the complex interplay between COVID-19, MIS-C, KD, and cardiovascular sequelae in children.

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