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Mistaken MIS-C: A Case Series of Bacterial Enteritis Mimicking MIS-C
Zephyr D Dworsky1,2, Jordan E Roberts3,4, Mary Beth F Son3,4
1From the Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA.
Insights
Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) can mimic bacterial enteritis. This study highlights diagnostic challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, where fever and GI symptoms in children may indicate bacterial infections instead of MIS-C.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Immunology
Background:
- Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection can lead to Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C).
- MIS-C presents with fever, inflammation, and multi-organ involvement, often including gastrointestinal symptoms.
- The variability in MIS-C presentation complicates diagnosis, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Abstract:
Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children following severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection is characterized by fever, elevated inflammatory markers, and multisystem organ involvement. Presentations are variable but often include gastrointestinal symptoms. We describe 5 children with fever and gastrointestinal symptoms initially concerning for multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children who were ultimately diagnosed with bacterial enteritis, highlighting the diagnostic challenges presented by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 pandemic.
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