A Diagnosis You Cannot Afford to MIS-C: Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children Within the Active Duty...

Area of Science:

• Pediatric critical care medicine
• Infectious diseases
• Military health

Background:

• Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is a rare, post-infectious complication of COVID-19.
• Typically affects children aged 5-13, but can occur up to age 20.
• Previously unreported in the active duty military population.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report the first case of MIS-C in an active duty service member.
• To highlight the potential for MIS-C to affect young adults up to age 20.
• To emphasize the importance of considering MIS-C in the differential diagnosis of critically ill young adults.

Main Methods:

• Case report of an 18-year-old active duty male presenting with shock, headache, neck pain, abdominal pain, and cardiomyopathy.
• Initial negative COVID-19 test, negative cerebrospinal fluid analysis for meningoencephalitis.
• Chest CT showing ground-glass infiltrates, repeat COVID-19 testing positive.

Main Results:

• The patient was diagnosed with MIS-C and treated promptly.
• Rapid clinical improvement was observed following diagnosis and treatment.
• The case demonstrates MIS-C can affect the young adult active duty population.

Conclusions:

• MIS-C is a rare but potentially fatal condition that can affect young adults up to age 20.
• MIS-C can mimic other serious illnesses, potentially delaying critical care.
• Clinicians should consider MIS-C in active duty personnel presenting with compatible symptoms, especially following COVID-19 infection.