Kawasaki Disease Versus Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children: Exploring the Complexities of Pediatric Cardiac Inflammatory Disorders

Kawasaki disease (KD) and multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) are both pediatric inflammatory conditions that pose significant challenges in diagnosis and management due to their overlapping clinical features and distinct pathophysiological profiles. KD is a well-established acute vasculitis that primarily affects children under 5. In contrast, MIS-C is a recently identified condition associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection, typically affecting older children and adolescents. Reported mortality for MIS-C remains below 2%, compared with less than 0.1% for KD, although both can result in significant cardiac morbidity if untreated. This review highlights the critical differences between KD and MIS-C, including their genetic underpinnings, clinical manifestations, and responses to treatment. While KD has a well-established treatment protocol involving intravenous immunoglobulin and aspirin, MIS-C treatment is still evolving. The manuscript underscores the importance of distinguishing between these conditions for accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment, which is crucial for improving patient outcomes.