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. 2022 Jul 21;181(9):3549–3554. doi: 10.1007/s00431-022-04562-0

What is Known:

• A pediatric multisystem inflammatory disease associated with SARS-CoV-2 has been described (MIS-C).

• There are three definitions being used for MIS-C, all including fever for at least 24 h, laboratory evidence of inflammation, clinically severe illness with multi-organ (≥ 2) involvement, and no alternative plausible diagnosis.

What is New:

• MIS-C has a heterogeneous clinical spectrum without distinctive features compared to more common childhood diseases. Current definitions and diagnostic criteria for MIS-C lack specificity which leads to misdiagnosis and overtreatment.

• Amid the current excessive attention to COVID-19 and MIS-C, pediatricians should remain vigilant to avoid mistaken diagnoses.