Paediatric multisystem inflammatory syndrome associated with COVID-19: filling the gap between myocarditis and Kawasaki?

Abstract

Myocarditis and Kawasaki disease are common but usually distinct diseases in children. During the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19), reports of a new form of myocarditis with clinical features of Kawasaki appeared. We investigated the place of this new disease in the spectrum encompassing Kawasaki disease and myocarditis. Thirty two consecutive children referred to our centre for a suspicion of Kawasaki or a diagnosis of myocarditis were included and eventually divided into four groups: 11 Kawasaki diseases, 6 Kawasaki syndromes (children with another diagnosis), 7 myocarditis without Kawasaki clinical feature and 7 myocarditis with incomplete Kawasaki clinical features. All were treated with immunoglobulins except those of the myocarditis group. The survival rate was 91%. The 7 children with myocarditis and clinical features of incomplete Kawasaki were all positive for SARS-CoV-2. They had a transient myocardial failure with a favourable course and none had coronary artery disease. Conclusion: Every COVID-19 child within our population had a mild to severe myocarditis and presented with fever plus two or three Kawasaki clinical features. Short-term evolution was good for these children. This new disease seems to fill the gap between isolated myocarditis and Kawasaki disease.What is Known:• A new paediatric disease close to Kawasaki disease appeared during the COVID-19 pandemicWhat is New:• In our population, children presented with fever, vivid Kawasaki clinical features (although the Kawasaki syndrome was always incomplete) and a myocarditis without coronary abnormalities.• The new disease fills the gap between paediatric myocarditis and Kawasaki disease but its prognosis is much better.