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

Abstract

Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C), which is associated with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and occurs in the immediately post-infectious period, has never-before been reported within the active duty population. It typically affects children, aged 5-13 years, but has been shown to affect those up to 20 years old. We present an 18-year-old active duty male that arrived at a military treatment facility emergency department with headache, neck pain, and shock without evidence of meningoencephalitis on cerebrospinal fluid analysis and with a negative COVID-19 test. He developed significant abdominal pain and cardiomyopathy. Chest computed tomography showed evidence of ground glass infiltrates, and repeat testing was positive for the COVID-19 virus. Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) was diagnosed and treated with a rapid improvement in the patient's condition. It is a rare but potentially fatal condition that has been shown to affect patients up to the age of 20, encompassing a large part of the junior enlisted population. Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) can lead to death, yet mimic other diseases leading to delay of care. Thus, it should be considered when faced with the appropriate constellation of symptoms.