ABSTRACT
Although significant disease burden in the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 pandemic has been relatively uncommon in children, worldwide cases of a postinfectious multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children and possible atypical Kawasaki-like disease attributing to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection have arisen. Original thinking for coronavirus disease-19 disease was that an overwhelming proinflammatory response drove disease pathogenesis. Emerging reports suggest that a robust immune suppression may be more relevant and predominant. Recently reported data on children with multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children have demonstrated a heterogeneity of immune phenotypes among these patients, with concern for a strong initial proinflammatory state; however, data are lacking to support this. Likewise, understanding development of certain clinical findings to changes in the immune system is lacking. CASE SUMMARY: We report a 12-year-old multiracial male with negative coronavirus disease-19 nasopharyngeal RNA polymerase chain reaction testing but positive severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 serology, subsequent development of vasodilatory shock with myocardial depression, and subsequent delayed development of coronary artery dilatation after resolution of myocardial depression. Unlike previous reported cases of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children, he exhibited profound lymphopenia without specific inflammatory cytokines elevations, whereas nonspecific markers (ferritin and C-reactive protein) were increased. He subsequently was discharged on day 12 of hospitalization with complete recovery. CONCLUSION: Our representative case of a patient with coronavirus disease-19-associated multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children without robust hyperinflammation and a delayed finding of coronary artery dilatation compared with reported case series highlights the need for further mechanistic understanding of coronavirus disease-19 disease and subsequent multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children or Kawasaki disease development. This report offers a number of disease mechanisms and clinical evolution considerations for further elucidation to guide development of potential therapies.
ABSTRACT
Paragonimiasis is an infection caused by lung flukes of the genus Paragonimus. In Asia, P. westermani infections are relatively common because of dietary practices. However, in North America, cases of paragonimiasis, which are caused by P. kellicotti flukes, are rare. Only 7 autochthonous cases of paragonimiasis were reported during 1968-2008. In 2009, we reported 3 new case-patients with paragonimiasis who had been seen at our medical center over an 18-month period. Six additional case-patients were identified in St. Louis, Missouri, USA, and treated at Washington University-affiliated health centers in 2009-2010. We report detailed descriptions of these case-patients, which includes unusual clinical manifestations. We also describe public health interventions that were undertaken to inform the general public and physicians about the disease and its mode of transmission.
