Spectrum of Imaging Findings at Chest Radiography, US, CT, and MRI in Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children Associated with COVID-19

Radiology. 2021 Jan;298(1):E1-E10. doi: 10.1148/radiol.2020202543. Epub 2020 Jun 25.

Abstract

This case series examines the spectrum of imaging findings at chest radiography, US, CT, and MRI in 35 children admitted to a tertiary pediatric hospital in April and May 2020 with a post-coronavirus disease 2019 inflammatory condition known as multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children. The constellation of findings includes airway inflammation and rapid development of pulmonary edema on thoracic images, coronary artery aneurysms, and extensive right iliac fossa inflammatory changes on abdominal images. Awareness of this emerging condition and the expected multi-organ imaging findings will aid radiologists in the assessment of these complex cases.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • COVID-19 / diagnostic imaging*
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Radiography, Thoracic
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome / diagnostic imaging*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Ultrasonography

Supplementary concepts

  • pediatric multisystem inflammatory disease, COVID-19 related