Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Adults (MIS-A)
Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Adults (MIS-A) is a rare, severe, post-infectious inflammatory condition occurring 2–6 weeks after a SARS-CoV-2 infection. Primarily affecting young to middle-aged adults, it features persistent fever, cardiac dysfunction, and extrapulmonary organ damage, often mimicking sepsis or shock. Treatment requires early recognition and prompt, often intensive, care. Key Aspects of MIS-A: Definition & Timing: A hyperinflammatory state following COVID-19 infection, typically appearing 2–6 weeks later. Symptoms: Clinical manifestations are diverse but commonly include: Persistent fever. Severe cardiac involvement (myocarditis, cardiogenic shock). Gastrointestinal symptoms (vomiting, diarrhea). Neurological symptoms. Respiratory symptoms (though less frequent than in acute COVID-19). Diagnosis: Based on clinical, laboratory (high inflammatory markers like CRP, D-dimer, ferritin), and radiographic criteria, often presenting with multi-organ dysfunction (cardiac, gastrointestinal, dermatologic, renal). Treatment: Early intervention is critical to improve outcomes, often involving anti-inflammatory treatments such as intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) and corticosteroids.
