Describing our experience with the effects of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children with COVID-19 on the cardiovascular system

Abstract

Cardiac involvement with multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children can include coronary artery abnormalities, ventricular dysfunction, conduction abnormalities, arrhythmias, pericarditis, and myocarditis. We report the cardiac findings in 34 patients with multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children admitted to a single institution. We looked at patient age, sex, brain natriuretic peptide levels, troponin levels, ejection fraction, presence of pericardial effusion, valvular changes, need for inotropic agents, and electrocardiogram findings. Our data showed that elevated brain natriuretic peptide did not predict troponin elevation and vice versa. Additionally, troponin rise was not a reliable marker for decreased left ventricular ejection fraction. All changes tracked were proven to be transient and resolved after initiating steroids, Intravenous immune globulin (IVIG), and occasionally anakinra.

Keywords: COVID-19; MIS-C; cardiac biomarkers; ejection fraction; myocarditis; pericardial effusion.