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Stevens-Johnson syndrome and COVID-19: a case report with suspected multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children
Mohsen Ebrahimi1, Seyed Ali Aghapour1, Azam Rashidbaghan1
1Neonatal and Children's Health Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran.
Insights
Pediatric coronavirus infections can mimic Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and multisystemic inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C). A case highlights how COVID-19 can present with SJS-like symptoms and a later MIS-C diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric infectious diseases
- Immunology
- Dermatology
Background:
- Pediatric coronavirus infections have been associated with symptoms overlapping with Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and multisystemic inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C).
- Differentiating these conditions is crucial for appropriate management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a case of a pediatric patient with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) who initially presented with symptoms suggestive of SJS and was later diagnosed with MIS-C.
Main Methods:
- Case report of a 4-year-old girl.
- Diagnostic evaluation including PCR and serological testing for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2).
- Clinical monitoring and assessment of disease progression.
Main Results:
- The patient presented with symptoms mimicking SJS.
- Initial SARS-CoV-2 PCR testing was negative, but serological tests confirmed COVID-19.
- The case ultimately met diagnostic criteria for MIS-C.
Conclusions:
- Delayed immune reactions in pediatric coronavirus infections can manifest with SJS-like symptoms.
- Serological testing can be vital for diagnosing COVID-19 when PCR is negative.
- This case underscores the complex presentation of MIS-C in children.
Introduction And Importance:
Symptoms similar to diseases such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and multisystemic inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) were reported in pediatric coronavirus infections.
Case Presentation:
Here, we present a 4-year-old girl with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), an earlier diagnosis of SJS, and a final diagnosis of MIS-C.
Clinical Discussion:
Unlike the negative PCR test for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), the positive serological test confirmed COVID-19.
Conclusion:
The monitoring of this case indicated that higher coronavirus infection can delay immune reaction and cause symptoms similar to SJS.
