Point-of-Care Ultrasound Findings in Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children: A Cross-Sectional Study
Thomas M Kennedy1, Almaz Dessie, David O Kessler
1From the Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center | NewYork-Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital, New York, NY.
Pediatric Emergency Care
|April 19, 2021
Summary
Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) can reveal key findings in children with multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C). This study describes POCUS findings in the emergency department, highlighting its potential role in diagnosing this novel condition.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Emergency Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Diagnostic Imaging
Background:
- Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is a serious condition linked to COVID-19.
- Early identification and management are crucial for improving patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) findings in children diagnosed with MIS-C.
- To evaluate the utility of POCUS in the emergency department (ED) setting for MIS-C patients.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective cross-sectional study of 24 patients under 21 years old diagnosed with MIS-C.
- POCUS performed by pediatric emergency medicine physicians included cardiac, lung, and abdominal assessments.
- Chart review abstracted patient demographics, clinical data, and POCUS results.
Main Results:
- POCUS identified impaired cardiac contractility in 5 patients.
- Abnormal findings included free fluid, inflamed bowel, and elevated optic nerve sheath diameters.
- Pericardial, pleural, and intraperitoneal effusions were observed in several patients.
Conclusions:
- POCUS reveals a spectrum of findings in children with MIS-C.
- Further prospective research is needed to establish POCUS's role in ED management pathways for suspected MIS-C.
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