Multi system Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) in a 17-year Old with Dendritic Cell Neoplasm Presenting as a Retropharyngeal Abscess

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) is a constellation of symptoms involving fever, laboratory evidence of inflammation, and >/= 2 organ systems involvement (cardiac, renal, respiratory, hematologic, gastrointestinal, dermatologic or neurologic) in a patient who is positive for current or recent COVID-19 infection by RT-PCR, serology or by antigen testing. The total number of cases reported in the United States with MIS-C is more than 3000 as of May 2021. We present a case of MIS-C presenting as a retropharyngeal abscess in a 17- year-old with dendritic cell neoplasm. Case Description 17-yearold male with a past medical history of metastatic, recurrent, atypical dendritic tumor currently in remission presented with fever for 4 days, associated with headache, sore throat and dysphagia, with a normal examination except 3+ tonsils without midline shift. He had an asymptomatic COVID 19 infection 2 months prior to this presentation. On admit, labs revealed hyponatremic (129) dehydration and a CRP of 29. CT neck showed a well-defined retropharyngeal fluid collection. He was started on Vancomycin and Cefepime and was also given a dose of Dexamethasone. Due to clinical improvement on Day 3, the antibiotics were changed to Unasyn and Clindamycin for the presumed retropharyngeal abscess. He however became hemodynamically unstable and was taken for an emergent incision •drainage by ENT but there was no fluid to be drained. He remained intubated and admitted to the ICU. He required vasopressors because of his hemodynamic instability and broadspectrum antibiotics for concerns of sepsis. Further workup showed signs of end organ damage and inflammation including severe myocardial dysfunction (EF ∼ 20%) and a positive COVID 19 antibody. He was diagnosed with MIS-C and started on IVIG, steroids and Enoxaparin. He showed significant improvement in his clinical status, inflammatory markers and myocardial function over the next 24-48 hours following initiation of treatment. Discussion: MIS-C is believed to develop due to an abnormal immune response to the COVID 19 virus. There has only been a single case reported in a healthy individual presenting as a retropharyngeal abscess. Most of the cases of MIS-C are reported in primarily healthy children or with comorbidities like obesity and asthma but there have been very few cases reported in oncology patients possibly because of an inadequate immune response in these patients. Our case to the author's knowledge is the first case of MIS-C presenting as a retropharyngeal abscess in an oncology patient. Conclusion: It is important to identify the history of COVID 19 infection and have a high index of suspicion in unusual presentations so that early investigation and management is possible to prevent morbidity and mortality due to MIS-C.