Cardiac complications from multisystem inflammatory syndrome associated with prior COVID-19 infection

Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in adults (MIS-A) is a systemic inflammatory condition that presents roughly 4-6 weeks after initial COVID-19 infection. Patients typically present with persistent fevers, widespread rash, abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhoea, and new-onset neurological symptoms. Cardiac dysfunction is a prominent feature of COVID-19 sequelae due to the abundance of ACE2 receptors on cardiac tissue. Delayed diagnosis due to the novelty of MIS-A can lead to cardiac complications like heart failure and shock, which could result in chronic cardiac disease. Avoidance of complications and chronic illness is possible with prompt corticosteroid therapy. Despite patient recovery to baseline level of function, surveillance of cardiac function to screen for chronic cardiac disease in the follow-up period is recommended. We present a case of MIS-A in a young man, compare his presentation with other similar cases and discuss implications of delayed diagnosis.