Cytokine storm syndrome (CSS) is a serious condition induced by the activation of cytokine cascade, characterized by systemic inflammation, haemodynamic instability, hyperferritinaemia and multiple organ failure (MOF). Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) emerged in Wuhan China and rapidly developed into a global pandemic at the end of 2019. This infection causes a dramatic increase of inflammatory cytokines, suggesting the development of cytokine storm in some critical COVID-19 patients. In our review, we summarize the pathogenesis, clinical manifestation of CSS, and highlight the current aspects about the recognition and diagnosis of CSS in COVID-19.