Case of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children presenting as fever and abdominal pain.

This case aims to remind all providers to scrutinise for atypical presentations of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) which may mimic a more routine diagnosis. In the absence of mucocutaneous symptoms, the diagnosis of MIS-C can be missed. Given the potential for rapid deterioration of patients with MIS-C, early treatment and inpatient interventions are necessary.

Establishment of Myocardial Strain Measurement Data in Pediatric Patients Without Structural Heart Disease: A Single Center Study.

Accurate assessment of LV systolic function remains a challenge, especially in the pediatric population. Myocardial strain measurement by 2D speckle tracking echocardiography (2DSTE) is a relatively new modality for assessment of regional and global myocardial wall motion. This study aims to establish the normative value among various pediatric age groups at a large pediatric tertiary care institution and to describe the challenges encountered in establishing such strain data.

Does myocardial strain remain abnormal long after normalization of ejection fraction in patients with acute myocarditis?

Myocarditis is a common cause for acute heart failure in the pediatric population. Various imaging modalities have evolved over the past 3 decades in order to noninvasively image the myocardium in this patient population. These include standard 2-dimensional echocardiographic imaging, tissue Doppler imaging, and magnetic resonance imaging of the heart.