Vaccinations and Autoimmune Diseases

A Case of Adult-Onset Kawasaki Disease in an Adolescent Occurring during the COVID-19 Pandemic

We report the occurrence of the adult-onset type of Kawasaki disease (KD) with classic mucocutaneous manifestations of KD, cholestatic liver disease, multiple splenic infarcts, and residual multiple coronary artery dilatations in a previously healthy 14-year-old male adolescent 16 days after having received one dose of the BNT162b2 coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) mRNA vaccine. First, the report serves to highlight the diagnostic challenges of adult-onset KD often resulting in therapeutic delay and the frequently reported occurrence of persistent cardiovascular sequelae. Second, the report emphasizes that the temporal association of KD with the administration of a COVID-19 vaccine will likely be a frequent constellation in the near future, raising questions of a causative association. While there is currently no evidence of such an association in persons above 5 years of age, large-scale vaccination of children below 5 years of age will require close surveillance of vaccine-related adverse events.

Acquired Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura After BNT162b2 COVID-19 Vaccine: Case Report and Literature Review

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a thrombotic microangiopathy that is deadly if not treated promptly. The treatment of choice in patients presenting with TTP is plasma exchanges. However, immunosuppressive therapy and caplacizumab have significantly improved outcomes in TTP. This microangiopathy is classically divided into 2 entities: hereditary and acquired TTP (aTTP), caused by an autoantibody against ADAMTS 13. We present a case study of a patient wth TTP occurring after a second dose of the BNT162b2 (Pfizer-BioNTech) COVID-19 vaccine along with a review of the literature. A 55-year-old patient presented with gastrointestinal symptoms, anemia, and severe thrombocytopenia. The blood film revealed the presence of schistocytes. A diagnosis of aTTP was established because the patient had severe ADAMTS 13 deficiency and autoantibodies against ADAMTS 13 were positive. This episode occurred 10 days after the patient received the COVID-19 vaccine. The patient received plasma exchanges, prednisone, rituximab, and caplacizumab and achieved complete remission. Ten patients with aTTP induced by the COVID-19 vaccine have been reported in the literature. Most of these situations occurred after the second dose of COVID-19 vaccine, and 7 patients were noted to have received the BNT162b2 vaccine. Caplacizumab was used in 6 patients, and complete remission was achieved in 8 patients.

Development and exacerbation of autoimmune hemolytic anemia following COVID-19 vaccination: A systematic review

Autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) is caused by the production of autoantibodies against RBCs. COVID-19 vaccines can reduce the risk of severe disease, however, various adverse effects such as AIHA were observed following vaccination. This review aimed to assess the relationship of AIHA and COVID-19 vaccination using the PRISMA guidelines. Among 18 cases included in this review, new post-vaccination AIHA development was reported in 11 patients (7 women and 4 men) with a median age of 67.0 years. In 7 of 11 and 3 of 11 cases, the onset of symptoms occurred after first and second vaccine dose with median times of 7 and 14 days, respectively. In 1 of 11 cases, the AIHA occurred on Day 17 after booster vaccination. Ten of 11 and 1 of 11 AIHA patients received mRNA- and vector-based vaccine, respectively. After vaccination, 9 of 11, 1 of 11, and 1 of 11 AIHA patients developed warm IgG, cold IgM, and mixed autoantibodies against RBCs, respectively. Significant AIHA exacerbation was reported in seven patients (four women and three men) with a median age of 73.0 years. In 4 of 7 and 2 of 7 exacerbated AIHA cases, the onset of symptoms occurred after first and second vaccine dose with median times of 7 and 3 days, respectively. In 1 of 7 exacerbated AIHA cases, the onset of symptoms was observed on Day 2 after booster vaccination. All exacerbated AIHA cases received mRNA-based vaccines; 3 of 7 and 4 of 7 exacerbated AIHA cases developed IgG and IgM against RBCs, respectively. This review provides a comprehensive explanation regarding the AIHA development and exacerbation after COVID-19 vaccination.

Thyroid dysfunction following vaccination with COVID-19 vaccines: a basic review of the preliminary evidence

PURPOSE

The safety and efficacy of the several types of COVID-19 vaccines, including mRNA-based, viral vector-based, and inactivated vaccines, have been approved by WHO. The vaccines can confer protection against severe SARS-CoV-2 infection through induction of the anti-spike protein neutralizing antibodies. However, SARS-CoV-2 vaccines have been associated with very rare complications, such as thyroid disorders. This review was conducted to highlight main features of thyroid abnormalities following COVID-19 vaccination.

METHODS

A comprehensive search within electronic databases was performed to collect reports of thyroid disorders after vaccination with COVID-19 vaccines.

RESULTS

Among 83 reported cases including in this review, the most cases of thyroid abnormalities were observed after vaccination with mRNA-based vaccines (68.7%), followed by viral vector vaccines (15.7%) and 14.5% cases following inactivated vaccines. Subacute thyroiditis (SAT) was the most common COVID-19 vaccination-related thyroid disease, accounting for 60.2% of all cases, followed by Graves' disease (GD) with 25.3%. Moreover, some cases with focal painful thyroiditis (3.6%), silent thyroiditis (3.6%), concurrent GD and SAT (2.4%), thyroid eye disease (1.2%), overt hypothyroidism (1.2%), atypical subacute thyroiditis (1.2%), and painless thyroiditis with TPP (1.2%) were also reported. Overall, in 58.0% of SAT cases and in 61.9% of GD cases, the onset of the symptoms occurred following the first vaccine dose with a median of 10.0 days (ranged: 3-21 days) and 10.0 days (ranged: 1-60 days) after vaccination, respectively. Moreover, 40.0% of SAT patients and 38.1% of GD patients developed the symptoms after the second dose with a median of 10.5 days (ranged: 0.5-37 days) and 14.0 days (ranged: 2-35 days) after vaccination, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Fortunately, almost all cases with COVID-19 vaccination-associated thyroid dysfunctions had a favorable outcome following therapy. The benefits of COVID-19 vaccinations in terms of terminating the pandemic and/or reducing mortality rates can exceed any risk of infrequent complications such as a transient thyroid malfunction.

SARS-CoV-2 antibody responses before and after a third dose of the BNT162b2 vaccine in Italian healthcare workers aged ≤60 years: One year of surveillance

This study monitored the anti-spike-receptor-binding domain (RBD) and neutralizing antibodies induced by the Pfizer/BioNTech mRNA BNT162b2 vaccine in a cohort of 163 healthcare workers aged ≤60 years. We have taken advantage of two study groups, both of whom received the first two doses in the same time window, but Group 1 (54 HCWs) received the third dose 2 months before Group 2 (68 HCWs) did. The cohorts were monitored from the 12th day after the first vaccine dose up to 1 month after the third vaccine dose for a total of eight time points and about 1 year of surveillance (T1 = 12 days after the first dose; T2 = 10 days after the second dose; T3 = 1 month after the second dose; T4 = 3 months after the second dose; T5 = 4 months after the second dose; T6 = 5 months after the second dose; T7 = 7 months after the second dose; T8 = 1 month after the third dose for Group 1; T8* = 9 months after the second dose for Group 2; T9 = 1 month after the third dose for Group 2). The mean value of anti-spike antibodies decreased faster over time, but at T7, its decline was significantly slowed (T7 vs. T8*). After the third dose, the anti-spike titer rose about 34-fold (T7 vs. T8 and T8* vs. T9) and the booster improved the anti-spike titer by about three times compared with that of the second dose (T3 vs. T8 and T3 vs. T9), and no difference was noted between the two groups. The neutralizing titer was evaluated at T3, T7, T8, and T9. Anti-spike and neutralizing antibodies were found to be strongly correlated (r² = 0.980; p < 0.001). At T3, 70% of the participants had a neutralizing antibody titer >91% of total anti-spike antibodies that increased to 90% after the third dose (T8 and T9). However, when the anti-spike titer reached its lowest value (T7), the neutralizing antibody levels decreased even further, representing only 44% of total anti-spike antibodies (p < 0.0001). Our findings show that the third vaccine dose improves the humoral response, but the wane of the anti-spike and neutralizing antibody titers over time is more marked in the neutralizing antibodies.

Autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic diseases post-COVID-19 vaccination

Vaccination against COVID-19 is one of the critical tools to provide herd immunity, reduce mortality, and control the pandemic worldwide. Despite the safety of vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 in the healthy population, a minority of people may develop rare post-vaccine adverse reactions such as autoimmune syndromes. The current study aimed to identify and present a series of patients with de-novo autoimmune rheumatic diseases (ARDs) associated with COVID-19 vaccines. Inclusion criteria were the onset of ARDs symptoms at ∼3-4 weeks post-vaccination, age ≥ 16, no previous history of ARDs, meeting the classification criteria for one of the ARDs, and staying in the follow-up. The most commonly used vaccines in patients were Sinopharm [7 cases (50%)] and AstraZeneca [6 cases (42.9%)]. ARDs were significantly more common in subjects who received the AstraZeneca vaccine than in those who received other vaccines. Based on the results, patients were diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis or one of its subtypes (5 cases), vasculitis (4 cases), systemic lupus erythematosus (3 cases), and peripheral seronegative spondyloarthritis (2 cases). Except for one patient with self-limitation of ARD, others were treated with disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, and one case developed irreversible neurological complications. Indeed, our data can warn physicians about the possibility of ARDs post-vaccination, lead to faster diagnosis, prevent loss of window of opportunity for treatment, and prevent irreversible organ damage. Based on the published literature, autoimmune phenomena post-COVID-19 vaccination may be related to the overstimulation of mediators and cytokines due to complicated antigen-specific/non-specific immunological responses and mechanisms.

Acquired Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura Following Inactivated COVID-19 Vaccines: Two Case Reports and a Short Literature Review

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) outbreak in December 2019, causing millions of deaths all over the world, and the lack of specific treatment for severe forms of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have led to the development of vaccines in record time, increasing the risk of vaccine safety issues. Recently, several cases of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) have been reported following COVID-19 vaccination. TTP is a rare disease characterized by thrombocytopenia, microangiopathic hemolytic anemia and ischemic end-organ lesions. It can be either congenital or acquired. Various events such as viral infections, medication, pregnancy, malignancies, and vaccinations may cause TTP. Here, we report two cases of acquired TTP following Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine (BBIBP-CorV) and Sinovac COVID-19 vaccine (CoronaVac). Diagnosis was based on clinical presentation and confirmed with a severe reduction in the activity of von Willebrand factor-cleaving protease ADAMTS-13 and the presence of inhibitory autoantibodies. The two patients were successfully treated with corticosteroids, plasma exchange therapy and rituximab in the acute phase. In the literature, the reported cases of TTP induced by COVID-19 vaccination occurred after Adenoviral Vector DNA- and SARS-CoV-2 mRNA-Based COVID-19 vaccines. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of acquired TTP after inactivated virus COVID-19 vaccination.

Thyroid Inconveniences With Vaccination Against SARS-CoV-2: The Size of the Matter. A Systematic Review

After the beginning of COVID-19 vaccination campaigns, several reports of thyroid disease possibly related to the COVID-19 vaccination progressively appeared in the literature, raising the question of whether the thyroid disorder might be a SARS-CoV-2 vaccine complication. The aim of this study was to analyze the data about COVID-19 vaccination and thyroid disease, evaluate the size and quality of related literature, assess the type of these events, and investigate their timing of onset with respect the vaccination. Pubmed/MEDLINE and Cochrane were systematically reviewed until February 2022 to retrieve the largest number of original papers, case reports, and case series articles reporting thyroid disease after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. Forty-six articles were included with a total of 99 patients aged from 26 to 73 years were described, of whom 74.75% female. Regarding the vaccination received, 49.49% of patients received Comirnaty (Pfizer/BioNTech), 14.14% CoronaVac (Sinovac), 12.12% Vaxzevria (Oxford/Astrazeneca), 11.11% Spikevax (Moderna), 3.03% Ad26.COV2.S (Janssen, Johnson & Johnson), one patient Covaxin (Bharat Biotech) and one patient Convidecia (Cansino). In 7 cases the thyroid disorder developed after the third dose with a combination of different vaccines. Regarding the type of thyroid disorder, 59 were subacute thyroiditis (SAT), 29 Graves' disease (GD), 2 co-occurrence of SAT and GD, 6 painless thyroiditis (PT), and single cases of thyroid eye disease and hypothyroidism associated with mixedema. The timeline between vaccination and thyroid disorder ranged between 0.5 to 60 days, with an average of 10.96 days. Considering the limited follow-up time, a complete remission was reported in most of SAT and PT cases while a persistence was observed in GD. In conclusion, both size and quality of published data about thyroid inconveniences after COVID-19 vaccination are limited; thyroid disorders may occur within 2 months after COVID-19 vaccination; among all thyroid diseases after COVID-19 vaccination, GD and SAT seem to be more frequent.

SARS-CoV-2 the ASIA virus (autoimmune/autoinflammatory syndrome induced by adjuvants), the risk of infertility and vaccine hesitancy

INTRODUCTION

COVID-19 has had a calamitous impact on the global community. The current death toll far exceeds 6 million and large numbers of patients are experiencing long-term medical and psychiatric morbidity from the infection. The immunopathology of severe COVID-19 is now better understood. In severely affected patients, there is a chaotic, destructive immune response triggered by SARS-CoV-2, where autoimmunity features prominently.

AREAS COVERED

COVID-19 vaccines ensure a coordinated, balanced immune response to future SARS-CoV-2 infection. The rapid global deployment of effective COVID-19 vaccines has been hindered by financial, logistical and political barriers. Of concern is increasing vaccine hesitancy caused by unfounded conspiracy theories of vaccine adverse effects, often fueled by misinformation and disinformation on social media.

EXPERT OPINION

This perspective discusses the potential impact of the so-called autoimmune/autoinflammatory syndrome caused by adjuvants (ASIA) on COVID-19 vaccine uptake. Proponents of the ASIA syndrome have inappropriately linked infertility to HPV vaccines and have recently suggested antigenic cross-reactivity between SARS-CoV-2 and ovarian follicles. COVID-19 vaccines have also been linked to ASIA and unfounded fear of infertility is a leading cause of vaccine hesitancy. Vaccine hesitancy caused by spurious disorders such as ASIA are likely to harm individuals and delay global vaccination efforts leading to emergence of vaccine and monoclonal antibody resistant mutants, thereby prolonging the COVID-19 pandemic.

Immune-Mediated Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura Following mRNA-Based COVID-19 Vaccine BNT162b2: Case Report and Mini-Review of the Literature

Introduction

An increasing number of case reports have associated vaccinations against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) with immune-mediated thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (iTTP), a very rare but potentially life-threatening thrombotic microangiopathy, which leads to ischemic organ dysfunction. Thrombus formation in iTTP is related to a severe deficiency of the specific von Willebrand-factor-cleaving protease ADAMTS13 due to ADAMTS13 autoantibodies.

Methods

We present a case of iTTP following exposure to the mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccine BNT162b2 (Comirnaty^®, Pfizer-BioNTech). In addition, we review previously reported cases in the literature and assess current evidence.

Results

Apart from our case, twenty cases of iTTP occurring after COVID-19 vaccination had been published until the end of November 2021. There were 11 male and 10 female cases; their median age at diagnosis was 50 years (range 14–84 years). Five patients (24%) had a preexisting history of iTTP. Recombinant adenoviral vector-based vaccines were involved in 19%, mRNA-based vaccines in 81%. The median onset of symptoms after vaccination was 12 days (range 5–37), with 20 cases presenting within 30 days. Treatment included therapeutic plasma exchange in all patients. Additional rituximab, caplacizumab, or both these treatments were given in 43% (9/21), 14% (3/21), and 24% (5/21) of cases, respectively. One patient died, despite a prolonged clinical course in one patient, all surviving patients were in clinical remission at the end of the observational period.

Conclusion

Clinical features of iTTP following COVID-19 vaccination were in line with those of pre-pandemic iTTP. When timely initiated, an excellent response to standard treatment was seen in all cases. ADAMTS13 activity should be determined pre-vaccination in patients with a history of a previous iTTP episode. None of the reported cases met the WHO criteria for assessing an adverse event following immunization (AEFI) as a consistent causal association to immunization. Further surveillance of safety data and additional case-based assessment are needed.

Behçet's disease with intestinal involvement: case-based review

Behçet's disease (BD) is a rare (especially in East Europe, Ukraine) systemic vasculitis of blood vessels of varying calibers throughout the body that affects various organs. The variability of the clinical features requires the involvement of doctors of different specialties in the management of such patients. The work was aimed to conduct a literature review of the intestine involvement and skin lesions in BD based on the clinical case with bloody diarrhea at the onset, and to assess the frequency of development of various clinical syndromes in intestinal BD. This is an attempt at describing a manifestation of BD with colitis and to emphasize the necessary revision of BD diagnostic criteria with special attention to early manifestations of BD with gastrointestinal tract involvement.

Thyrotoxicosis following SARS-COV-2 vaccination: a case series and discussion

AIM

To describe a case series of thyrotoxicosis likely triggered by SARS-CoV-2 vaccination and to warn physicians about this potential correlation. To report clinical, laboratory and imaging findings and provide further information that goes in line with the underlying mechanisms.

METHODS

Single-center case series based on all the information collected in the hospital medical records, as well as the temporal sequence between the onset of symptoms and COVID-19 vaccination.

RESULTS

We report 8 cases with thyrotoxicosis after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. 4 cases of Graves' disease (GD), 2 cases of subacute painful thyroiditis (SAT), 1 case of concurrent GD and SAT and 1 case of atypical subacute thyroiditis. Five patients received BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine, 3 patients 1273 mRNA vaccine. The onset of symptoms following vaccination ranged from 10 to 14 days in six of eight patients and from 7 to 8 weeks in two patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Several hypotheses have been proposed to explain the potential correlation between SARS-CoV-2 vaccination and thyrotoxicosis, including immune system hyper-stimulation, molecular mimicry and Autoimmune/Autoinflammatory Syndrome Induced by Adjuvants (ASIA). We should pay greater attention to thyroid disorders in patients receiving vaccine against SARS-CoV-2.

Autoimmune post-COVID vaccine syndromes: does the spectrum of autoimmune/inflammatory syndrome expand?

To date, around 60% of the world population has been protected by vaccines against SARS-CoV-2, significantly reducing the devastating effect of the pandemic and restoring social economic activity through mass vaccination. Multiple studies have demonstrated the effectiveness and safety of vaccines against COVID-19 in healthy populations, in people with risk factors, in people with or without SARS-CoV-2 infection, and in immunocompromised people. According to the criteria for post-vaccine adverse events established by the World Health Organization, a minority of individuals may develop adverse events, including autoimmune syndromes. The exact mechanisms for the development of these autoimmune syndromes are under study, and to date, a cause-effect relationship has not been established. Many of these autoimmune syndromes meet sufficient criteria for the diagnosis of Adjuvant-Induced Autoimmune Syndrome (ASIA syndrome). The descriptions of these autoimmune syndromes open new perspectives to the knowledge of the complex relationship between the host, its immune system, with the new vaccines and the development of new-onset autoimmune syndromes. Fortunately, most of these autoimmune syndromes are easily controlled with steroids and other immunomodulatory medications and are short-lived. Rheumatologists must be alert to the development of these autoimmune syndromes, and investigate the relationship between autoimmune/inflammatory symptoms and vaccination time, and assess their therapeutic response.

Autoimmune post-COVID vaccine syndromes: does the spectrum of autoimmune/inflammatory syndrome expand?

To date, around 60% of the world population has been protected by vaccines against SARS-CoV-2, significantly reducing the devastating effect of the pandemic and restoring social economic activity through mass vaccination. Multiple studies have demonstrated the effectiveness and safety of vaccines against COVID-19 in healthy populations, in people with risk factors, in people with or without SARS-CoV-2 infection, and in immunocompromised people. According to the criteria for post-vaccine adverse events established by the World Health Organization, a minority of individuals may develop adverse events, including autoimmune syndromes. The exact mechanisms for the development of these autoimmune syndromes are under study, and to date, a cause-effect relationship has not been established. Many of these autoimmune syndromes meet sufficient criteria for the diagnosis of Adjuvant-Induced Autoimmune Syndrome (ASIA syndrome). The descriptions of these autoimmune syndromes open new perspectives to the knowledge of the complex relationship between the host, its immune system, with the new vaccines and the development of new-onset autoimmune syndromes. Fortunately, most of these autoimmune syndromes are easily controlled with steroids and other immunomodulatory medications and are short-lived. Rheumatologists must be alert to the development of these autoimmune syndromes, and investigate the relationship between autoimmune/inflammatory symptoms and vaccination time, and assess their therapeutic response.

Painful subacute thyroiditis occurring after the administration of influenza vaccine and hyaluronic acid dermal filler: A case report

RATIONALE

The occurrence of subacute thyroiditis (SAT) after vaccines or after hyaluronic acid skin fillers is very rare and might be related to genetic susceptibility. We suggest that the co-administration of both products could potentially increase the possibility of development of SAT.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 58-year-old Caucasian healthy female initially presented with chills, myalgia, dysphagia, sore throat, dry cough, fatigue, and intermittent fever of 38.5°C orally after simultaneous injection of an influenza vaccine and a dermal filler containing hyaluronic acid. Ten days later the patient developed palpitations and neck pain radiating to the left jaw.

DIAGNOSIS AND INTERVENTIONS

She was diagnosed with SAT on day 16 after her first visit and responded promptly to etoricoxib treatment.

OUTCOMES

The patient progressed clinically from hyperthyroidism to euthyroid state and eventually to hypothyroidism and further testing showed she had HLA B-35 haplotype.

LESSONS

Physicians should be aware that SAT might be associated with the administration an influenza vaccine and this possible association might increase if the vaccine was co-administered with a dermal filler.

Real-life vaccination coverage in Slovak children with rheumatic diseases

BACKGROUND

Evidence-based recommendations for vaccination of patients with pediatric rheumatic diseases (PRDs) are available, their implementation in practice is unknown.

OBJECTIVES

To analyze real-life vaccination coverage in children with PRDs and identify reasons for incomplete vaccination.

METHODS

Up-to-date information on vaccination status of Slovak children followed at a tertiary pediatric rheumatology center was retrieved from pediatricians over an 18-month period and compared to the standard Slovak Immunization Schedule. Reasons for missed vaccinations were analyzed retrospectively.

RESULTS

Vaccination records of 156 patients (median age 10 years, 2-18) with PRDs (JIA n = 108, systemic diseases n = 21, autoinflammatory diseases n = 16, uveitis n = 9, others n = 2) were available for analysis. 117 (75.0%) were completely vaccinated, 2 (1.3%) had not received any vaccine due to reasons unrelated to PRD. 37 (23.7%) remaining patients missed altogether 48 mandatory vaccinations. In 58.3% (n = 28, in 24 patients) no PRD related reasons for missing vaccinations were identified. Only 20 vaccinations (18 live-attenuated and 2 non-live in 19 patients) were missed due to ongoing immunosuppressive treatment or PRD activity. Patients aged 11-14 years were more likely to be incompletely vaccinated than other age groups (48.8% vs. 15.9%, p < 0.001), mainly due to missed MMR booster. Systemic immunosuppressive treatment was a significant predictor for incomplete vaccination status (OR 5.03, 95% CI 1.13-22.31, p = 0.03).

CONCLUSION

Full vaccination is possible in a high proportion of PRD patients. In addition to immunosuppressive therapy, reasons unrelated to PRDs are a frequent and possibly inadequate cause of missed vaccinations. Periodic vaccination status assessments are needed in pediatric rheumatology care.

Frequently Asked Questions in Patients With Adrenal Insufficiency in the Time of COVID-19

Adrenal insufficiency (AI) is a life-threatening disorder, with increased morbidity and mortality, especially in case of an acute illness that can increase the requirement of cortisol. A novel infectious disease, termed Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), appeared in 2020. Therefore, AI patients are experiencing a novel challenge: the risk of infection. In our experience, a prompt contact to the Endocrine center (with a telemedicine consultation) and a full awareness of diseases (cortisol deficiency, COVID-19 and the self-management of an adrenal crisis) are important to motivate patients. Vaccine is an effective treatment to prevent hospitalization and aggressive course of COVID-19. Some patients manifest challenges due to inequitable access and vaccine hesitancy, resulting in a delay in the acceptance of vaccines despite the availability of vaccination services. Therefore, an effort of all physicians must be conducted in order to advise patients with AI. In this short review, we try to answer some frequently asked questions regarding the management of patients with AI.

Graves Disease Following the SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine: Case Series

Widespread vaccination is a principal strategy to mitigate the spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and lessen the global burden of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Information is rapidly evolving about the impact of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines on the immune and endocrine systems. This case series heightens clinical awareness of possible thyroid effects and conveys knowledge of what to monitor, which are fundamental components of public health and pharmacovigilance. We present a case series of Graves disease following mRNA SARS-CoV-2 vaccination, with symptoms and altered thyroid function tests developing within 7 days of the first dose in 2 women aged 38 and 63 years, and 28 days after the second dose in a 30-year-old man. New-onset Graves disease occurred following administration of mRNA vaccines against SARS-CoV-2. Based on the timing of signs and symptoms relative to administration of the vaccine and the absence of other probable causes, we consider the vaccine as a potential contributor to the diagnosis. The viral spike protein, delivered indirectly through an encoded mRNA vaccine, may be capable of triggering an inflammatory cascade and immune response triggering thyroid dysfunction.