EVALI versus MIS-C, one more overlapping diagnosis to consider.

ABSTRACT

We describe six teenagers presenting with fever and severe abdominal symptoms admitted with concerns for multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C). Laboratory evaluation revealed elevated markers of inflammation, lymphopenia, and increased D-dimers. Imaging studies revealed multifocal airspace disease and ground-glass opacities. SARS-CoV-2 polymerase chain reaction and serologies were negative. All patients reported a history of vaping, prompting E-cigarette, or vaping, product use-associated lung injury (EVALI) diagnosis. MIS-C has overlapping clinical and laboratory features highlighting the added challenge of diagnosing EVALI during the COVID-19 pandemic. Keywords COVID-19 pandemic, EVALI, MIS-C.