Abstract

Objective: This study investigates electrocardiographic (ECG) findings in pediatric patients diagnosed with Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) during the coronavirus disease-2019 pandemic, offering valuable insights into the diagnostic process.

Method: Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data of 71 MIS-C cases and 27 Kawasaki disease cases between January 2019 and December 2021 were retrospectively collected from hospital records, following ethics committee approval. MIS-C diagnosis adhered to World Health Organization criteria, and Kawasaki disease diagnosis followed American Heart Association guidelines.

Results: Seventy one MIS-C cases and 27 Kawasaki disease cases were included. MIS-C patients exhibited a significantly shorter duration of fever, higher C-reactive protein levels, and elevated serum cardiac troponin T troponin values compared to Kawasaki disease cases. Transthoracic echocardiographic evaluation revealed specific cardiac abnormalities in MIS-C patients, including mitral regurgitation and aortic regurgitation. ST segment changes, T-wave negativity, and QRS changes were observed significantly in MIS-C patients.

Conclusion: Results provide crucial information about the ECG profile of MIS-C cases. Particularly, indicators such as ST segment changes and T-wave negativity play a critical role in distinguishing MIS-C from other similar conditions and understanding its cardiac effects. These data offer valuable clinical markers that can be utilized in the diagnosis and treatment of MIS-C.