The term "cytokine storm syndromes (CSS)" encompasses many different inflammatory causes of disease (i.e., CSS represents various inflammatory etiologies). Regardless, the final results are shared: systematic inflammation, hemodynamic instability, multiple organ dysfunction, and potential death. Optimal treatment varies between different syndromes, making identification of the specific syndrome critical for effective treatment.

Cytokine storm syndromes are common in diseases such as systemic junvenile idiopathic arthrisits (JIA), adult onset Still’s disease, systemic lupus erythematosus, and many more.