Frontiers in Pediatrics (Dec 2020)

Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C), a Post-viral Myocarditis and Systemic Vasculitis—A Critical Review of Its Pathogenesis and Treatment

  • Jeremy C. McMurray,
  • Joseph W. May,
  • Joseph W. May,
  • Joseph W. May,
  • Madeleine W. Cunningham,
  • Olcay Y. Jones,
  • Olcay Y. Jones,
  • Olcay Y. Jones

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fped.2020.626182
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 8

Abstract

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MIS-C is a newly defined post-viral myocarditis and inflammatory vasculopathy of children following COVID-19 infection. This review summarizes the literature on diagnosis, parameters of disease severity, and current treatment regimens. The clinical perspective was analyzed in light of potential immunopathogenesis and compared to other post-infectious and inflammatory illnesses of children affecting the heart. In this paradigm, the evidence supports the importance of endothelial injury and activation of the IL-1 pathway as a common determinant among MIS-C, Kawasaki disease, and Acute Rheumatic fever.

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