COVID-19 Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) simulating as acute appendicitis: A case report

Abstract

Background: As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to disrupt global affairs through a variety of manifestations, a severe presentation of some COVID-19 pediatric patients has emerged, presenting as multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) that may mimic surgical conditions. Case Presentation: We report the case of a 9-year-old boy who presented with acute, intermittent abdominal pain and fever. Further inquiry suggested a hyperinflammatory disorder affecting multiple organ systems. Upon COVID-19 PCR testing, the patient was reported as COVID-19 positive in the second test on the 2nd day of admission, after an initial negative test upon admission. We describe the course of this patient’s disease from presentation until discharge and discuss the emerging literature on this potentially fatal complication. Conclusion: MIS-C should be a differential diagnosis in patients who may present with acute abdominal pain in the emergency room.