CMR Imaging 6 Months After Myocarditis Associated with the BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 Vaccine.

Temporal association between BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 vaccine and myocarditis (PCVM) has been reported. We herein present early and 6-month clinical follow-up and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) of patients with PVCM. A retrospective collection of data from 15 patients with PCVM and abnormal CMR was performed. Clinical manifestation, laboratory data, hospitalizations, treatment protocols, and imaging studies were collected early (up to 2 months) and later. In nine patients, an additional CMR evaluation was performed 6 months after diagnosis. PCVM was diagnosed in 15 patients, mean age 17 ± 1 (median 17.2, range 14.9-19 years) years, predominantly in males. Mean time from vaccination to onset of symptoms was 4.4 ± 6.7 (median 3, range 0-28) days. All patients had CMR post diagnosis at 4 ± 3 (median 3, range 1-9) weeks, 4/5 patients had hyper enhancement on the T2 sequences representing edemaQuery, and 12 pathological Late glandolinium enhancement. A repeat scan performed after 5-6 months was positive for scar formation in 7/9 patients. PCVM is a rare complication, affecting predominantly males and appearing usually within the first week after administration of the second dose of the vaccine. It usually is a mild disease, with clinical resolution with anti-inflammatory treatment. Late CMR follow up demonstrated resolution of the edema in all patients, while some had evidence of residual myocardial scarring.

Characterizing the differences between multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children and Kawasaki disease.

To characterize the new SARS-Co-V-2 related multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) among Israeli children and to compare it with Kawasaki disease (KD). We compared, in two medical centers, the clinical and laboratory characteristics of MIS-C, KD and an intermediate group, which met the case definitions of both conditions. MIS-C patients were older, were more likely to be hypotensive, to have significant gastrointestinal symptoms, lymphopenia and thrombocytopenia and to have non-coronary abnormal findings in their echocardiogram. Lymphopenia was an independent predictor of MIS-C. Most of our MIS-C patients responded promptly to corticosteroid therapy. KD incidence in both centers was similar in 2019 and 2020. Although there is clinical overlap between KD and MIS-C, these are separate entities. Lymphopenia clearly differentiates between these entities. MIS-C patients may benefit from corticosteroids as first-line therapy.