Intracerebral hemorrhage due to vasculitis following COVID-19 vaccination: a case report

Expression of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein in cerebral Arteries: Implications for hemorrhagic stroke Post-mRNA vaccination

BACKGROUND

The rapid deployment of mRNA vaccines for SARS-CoV-2, such as BNT162b2 (BioNTech-Pfizer) and mRNA-1273 (Moderna), provided a critical tool in combating the COVID-19 pandemic. While their short-term safety and efficacy were demonstrated in clinical trials, rare adverse events, including hemorrhagic strokes, have been reported after widespread use. However, the long-term biodistribution and effects of mRNA vaccines remain underexplored. This study aimed to investigate the long-term presence of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein in brain tissues of patients with hemorrhagic strokes, examining its potential association with mRNA vaccination.

METHODS

A total of 19 cases of hemorrhagic stroke from 2023 to 2024 were retrospectively analyzed. Immunohistochemical staining for SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and nucleocapsid protein was performed on tissue samples. In situ hybridization was conducted in selected cases to confirm the origin of spike protein expression (vaccine or viral infection). Vaccination history and SARS-CoV-2 infection status were documented for all cases.

RESULTS

Spike protein expression was detected in 43.8 % of vaccinated patients, predominantly localized to the intima of cerebral arteries, even up to 17 months post-vaccination. While no active inflammatory changes were identified, infiltration of CD4-, CD8- and CD68- positive cells was observed in the spike protein positive vessels. In situ hybridization confirmed the presence of both vaccine-derived mRNA and SARS-CoV-2 virus-derived mRNA, which encode the spike protein, in select cases. Notably, spike protein positivity was observed exclusively in female patients (P = 0.015). None of the cases showed nucleocapsid protein positivity, supporting the absence of active viral infection.

CONCLUSION

Although the possibility of spike protein expression due to asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection cannot be entirely excluded, this study demonstrated prolonged presence of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein in the cerebral arteries following mRNA vaccination. Additionally, some inflammatory cell infiltration was observed in spike-positive vessels. These findings raise significant concerns regarding the biodistribution of lipid nanoparticle-based vaccines and their long-term safety. Global replication studies are urgently required to validate these findings and ensure comprehensive safety evaluations of mRNA vaccines.

Nationwide Cohort observational study on the safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccination in patients with Moyamoya disease

The safety and efficacy of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination in patients diagnosed with Moyamoya disease (MMD) have not been established. Using National Health Insurance Service data, this study analyzed the occurrence of stroke-related events and mortality following COVID-19 vaccination among patients diagnosed with MMD from 2008 to 2020. Among 10,297 MMD patients, 296 (2.9%) experienced events and 175 (1.7%) died in 2021. Significant risk factors for events included ages 50-59 (Odds Ratio [OR] 3.29; P = 0.022) and 60 or above (OR 5.20; P = 0.001) (reference group: age in 20s), low BMI (OR 2.00; P = 0.011), previous stroke (OR 1.96; P < 0.001), and COVID-19 infection (OR 2.28; P = 0.034). Female (OR 0.64 [95% CI 0.50-0.82]; p = 0.011), revascularization surgery (RS) (OR 0.38 [95% CI 0.21-0.70]; p < 0.001), and vaccination (OR 0.17 [95% CI 0.13-0.22]; p < 0.001) were associated with reduced odds of stroke-related events. For mortality, significant risks were age over 60 (OR 7.09; P = 0.008), low BMI (OR 3.87; P = 0.001), and prior stroke (OR 1.74; p = 0.004), while being female, RS (OR 0.41; P = 0.022), and vaccination (OR 0.12; P < 0.001) were associated with a lower frequency of mortality. mRNA vaccines were associated with a significantly lower incidence of events, mortality, and COVID-19 infections compared to vector vaccines. COVID-19 vaccination is linked to reduced stroke-related events and mortality in MMD patients, with mRNA vaccines showing a significantly lower incidence compared to vector vaccines. COVID-19 infection raises the risk of events, underscoring the benefit of vaccination.

Recent Updates on COVID-19 Associated Strokes

The SARS-CoV-2 virus is primarily a respiratory virus, but, as it spread worldwide, it became apparent that there are multiple extrapulmonary manifestations. Reports arose of young and otherwise healthy patients presenting to emergency departments with large-vessel occlusions. Because of a rapidly evolving pandemic, conflicting data sometimes arose regarding the impact of the pandemic on strokes. COVID-19 can induce a hypercoagulable and a proinflammatory state through the interactions with the ACE-2 receptor. These mechanisms may lead to the strokes, both ischemic and hemorrhagic, that are seen in this infection. Strokes, in conjunction with COVID-19 infection, tended to be more disabling and portended a higher mortality. Treatment of these strokes was challenging, as emergency departments were strained with the high burden of COVID-19 admissions. Finally, vaccines against COVID-19 were widely administered, and their potential to cause stroke as an adverse event are discussed. This article will provide an in depth review of the recent updates about the incidence, epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentation and treatment of strokes that are associated with COVID-19.

COVID-19 vaccine-associated vasculitis: A systematic review

Objectives

Post-COVID-19 vaccine-associated vasculitis stands as one of the most serious side effects attributed to COVID-19 vaccines. This complication encompasses diverse manifestations which vary in presentation and severity. Moreover, it can impact patients across all age groups, with a notably elevated incidence in the elderly. This systematic review seeks to review and evaluate the spectrum of vasculitis manifestations linked to COVID-19 vaccination.

Methods

A systematic review of the literature was done by searching through PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus up to October 2022. Articles including data about sex, age at diagnosis, vasculitis clinical manifestations, type of vaccination, most commonly used investigations, comorbid medical conditions, treatments, and clinical outcomes were included in the final analysis. Furthermore, vasculitis flare-ups post-vaccination were considered part of this review.

Results

A total number of 117 studies describing 158 patients developing vasculitis following COVID-19 vaccination were included in the final analysis. Among the patients who developed vasculitis, the most administered type of vaccination was the mRNA vaccine subtype (n = 103), followed by the viral vector vaccines (n = 42) and inactivated viral vaccines (n = 10). On the other hand, about 38% of vasculitis-related symptoms occurred after the administration of the first dose of the vaccine and 37% occurred after taking the second dose. The skin (60.7%) and the kidneys (27.8%) were the most affected organs and complete remission was achieved in 111 patients (70%), while partial remission occurred in 11% of the patient population.

Conclusion

COVID-19 vaccine-induced vasculitis is a rare occurrence associated with COVID-19 vaccines. It generally presents a favorable prognosis and outcomes for the vast majority of patients, ultimately leading to full remission within days. This review emphasizes the notion that the advantages of COVID-19 vaccines outweigh the potential risks, particularly for individuals with compromised immune systems.

Schwannoma and Post-vaccine Changes: A Case Report

Schwannomas are benign sheaths of Schwann cells that can present with degenerative and morphological changes; necrosis or hemorrhage are rare findings in these tumors. We present the case of a 28-year-old man with a C2-C4 cervical Schwannoma who experienced upper limb paresthesia in 2020 while presenting with COVID-19 symptoms. The patient later recovered and came to our institution, where surgery was scheduled one year after the initial diagnosis. One week before surgery, the patient received the first dose of the Moderna vaccine. Despite being asymptomatic, the patient underwent successful total resection of the schwannoma, which was confirmed histologically. However, extensive necrosis with abundant foamy macrophages was observed, suggesting a possible link to post-vaccine effects.

Neurological Adverse Reactions to SARS-CoV-2 Vaccines

SARS-CoV-2 vaccines are not free of side effects and most commonly affect the central or peripheral nervous system (CNS, PNS). This narrative review aims to summarise recent advances in the nature, frequency, management, and outcome of neurological side effects from SARS-CoV-2 vaccines. CNS disorders triggered by SARS-CoV-2 vaccines include headache, cerebro-vascular disorders (venous sinus thrombosis [VST], ischemic stroke, intracerebral hemorrhage, subarachnoid bleeding, reversible, cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome, vasculitis, pituitary apoplexy, Susac syndrome), inflammatory diseases (encephalitis, meningitis, demyelinating disorders, transverse myelitis), epilepsy, and a number of other rarely reported CNS conditions. PNS disorders related to SARS-CoV-2 vaccines include neuropathy of cranial nerves, mono-/polyradiculitis (Guillain-Barre syndrome [GBS]), Parsonage-Turner syndrome (plexitis), small fiber neuropathy, myasthenia, myositis/dermatomyositis, rhabdomyolysis, and a number of other conditions. The most common neurological side effects are facial palsy, intracerebral hemorrhage, VST, and GBS. The underlying pathophysiology is poorly understood, but several speculations have been generated to explain the development of CNS/PNS disease after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. In conclusion, neurological side effects develop with any type of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine and are diverse, can be serious and even fatal, and should be taken seriously to initiate early treatment and improve outcome and avoid fatalities.

Intracranial Hemorrhage After Pfizer-BioNTech (BNT162b2) mRNA COVID-19 Vaccination: A Case Report

The Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has affected over 700 million people worldwide and caused nearly 7 million deaths. Vaccines currently developed or in development are the most effective tools for curbing the pandemic and mitigating its impacts. In Turkey, inoculation with the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine (BNT162b2, also known as tozinameran) has been approved. We report a 56-year-old female patient with underlying essential hypertension who experienced intracranial hemorrhage after receiving her first dose of tozinameran. The patient underwent immediate surgical evacuation of the hematoma, during which a left middle cerebral artery bifurcation aneurysm was macroscopically identified and clipped. The patient was pronounced deceased on the second postoperative day. This is the second case of intracranial hemorrhage following tozinameran administration caused by a ruptured middle cerebral artery bifurcation aneurysm. Upon analyzing the case, there might be a connection between the vaccine's potential immune-triggering effect on hemodynamic patterns and the rupture of the previously unknown cerebral aneurysm. However, these severe complications do not justify avoiding vaccines; further studies are needed. This study emphasizes the need for increased vigilance in patients with underlying systemic comorbidities who have recently been vaccinated and to share our insights into the potential relationship between tozinameran and intracranial hemorrhage.

A review of the potential neurological adverse events of COVID-19 vaccines

Despite the advantages of getting access to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines, their potential ability to induce severe adverse events (AEs) has been a significant concern. Neurological complications are significant among the various adverse events following immunization (AEFI) due to their likely durability and debilitating sequelae. Neurological AEs following COVID-19 vaccination can either exacerbate or induce new-onset neuro-immunologic diseases, such as myasthenia gravis (MG) and Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS). The more severe spectrum of AEs post-COVID19 vaccines has included seizures, reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, strokes, GBS, Bell's palsy, transverse myelitis (TM), and acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM). Here, we discuss each of these neurological adverse effects separately.

Two Cases of Rare Intratumoral Hemorrhage Following COVID-19 Vaccination

The increase in the rate of mRNA vaccination against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) worldwide has been accompanied by reports of an increase in the side effects of the vaccine. In the field of neurosurgery, several cases of venous thrombosis have been reported as possible complications after COVID-19 vaccination. However, no such side effects have been reported in patients with brain tumors, and COVID-19 vaccination is considered safe for this patient population. In this report, we present the cases of two patients with brain tumors who experienced intratumoral hemorrhage as a possible side effect of the COVID-19 vaccine. In the first case, a 54-year-old man who had received CyberKnife treatment for a vestibular schwannoma eight years prior presented with tongue discomfort, right-side facial numbness, and dizziness since the day after his COVID-19 vaccination. MRI revealed intratumoral hemorrhage of the vestibular schwannoma. The second patient was a 60-year-old woman who presented with a sudden-onset headache and vomiting that had started three days after her COVID-19 vaccination. CT revealed a meningioma with intratumoral hemorrhage. Both patients had undergone surgery prior to this presentation, and their symptoms had improved. They had no risk factors for intratumoral hemorrhage, suggesting that it may be a side effect of the mRNA vaccine against COVID-19. Although the causal relationship is unclear, acute inflammation with predominantly lymphocytic infiltration and thrombogenicity after COVID-19 vaccination may damage the fragile microcirculation of the tumor.

Sudden sensorineural hearing loss with intralabyrinthine hemorrhage after COVID-19 vaccination

Otologic symptoms of sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) have been reported after Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccinations. However, the association between SSNHL and COVID-19 vaccination has not been clearly established. SSNHL with vertigo can be induced by intralabyrinthine hemorrhage (ILH). The case of a 61-year-old female who was diagnosed SSNHL with ILH after COVID-19 vaccination is presented here. She visited the emergency department for left sudden hearing loss and vertigo that had occurred the previous day. She had received a third booster COVID-19 mRNA vaccination one day prior to the visit; symptoms occurred 6 hours after vaccination. On pure tone audiometry, her hearing threshold indicated deafness in the left ear. A lesion assumed to be ILH was observed on temporal magnetic resonance imaging. She received an oral steroid followed by salvage treatment with intratympanic steroid injection. Three months after symptom onset, her hearing threshold remained deaf with slight improvement at low frequencies in the left ear. Because the symptoms of and prognosis for SSNHL may be worse and vertigo may occur in patients with SSNHL and ILH, careful treatment is required.

Primary intracranial synovial sarcoma: A case report and review of literature

Background:

Primary intracranial synovial sarcomas (PrISS) are unusual dural based mesenchymal tumors seen most commonly in the supratentorial compartment. They can mimic a spontaneous intracranial hemorrhage or a high-grade glioma on imaging.

Case Description:

A 31-year-old male presented with headache and right hemiparesis for 2 weeks. CT brain revealed a left frontal spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage. PrISS revealed a heterogeneously ring enhancing solid cystic lesion with attachment to convexity dura. Intraoperatively, it mimicked a high-grade glioma. Histopathology report showed features of a synovial sarcoma, which was later confirmed with IHC. Classical SYT-SSX2 translocation was confirmed only on RTPCR after fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) was negative for same. Whole body positron emission tomography (PET-CT) did not show any extracranial tumor. Despite radiotherapy, there were recurrence and tumor progression at 6 months and the patient succumbed 11 months later.

Conclusion:

PrISS is an unusual aggressive intracranial neoplasm that carries a worse prognosis when compared nonintracranial synovial sarcomas. Molecular cytogenetics (FISH and RTPCR) are essential for confirming the diagnosis, though FISH seems to have a lower sensitivity and can yield false negative results as was noted in this case.

Atypical acute disseminated encephalomyelitis with systemic inflammation after a first dose of AztraZaneca COVID-19 vaccine. A case report

Background

Only a few cases of acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) following coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) vaccination have been described since the beginning of the vaccination campaign.

Results

Here we report the first case of central nervous system (CNS) demyelination with systemic inflammatory findings on whole body 19-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography with computed tomography (FDG-PET/CT) following the ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine.

Conclusions

Clinicians should stay aware of potential new adverse events after immunization.

Association study of the pneumatization degree of mastoid air cells and postoperative complications after microvascular decompression in hemifacial spasm

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to analyse the association between the degree of pneumatization of mastoid air cells (MACs) and postoperative complications after microvascular decompression in hemifacial spasm.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 308 patients with hemifacial spasm who underwent surgery at our institute between January 2017 and March 2021. The degree of pneumatization of MACs was classified into four grades (grades 1, 2, 3, and 4) according to method of Han et al. The clinical data of the four grades were analysed and statistically examined.

RESULTS

There were no statistically significant differences between the four grades in terms of the operative time, intraoperative blood loss, and postoperative hospital stay (all, P > 0.05). The incidence of hearing loss was higher in grade 4 MACs (26.56%) than in grades 1 and 2 MACs (5.41% and 2.89%, respectively; P < 0.05). The incidence of facial paralysis was higher in grade 4 MACs (28.13%) than in grades 1 and 2 MACs (5.41% and 9.18%, respectively; P < 0.001). The incidence of intracranial infection was higher in grade 3 MACs (17.65%) than in grade 2 MACs (3.89%) (P < 0.05). All four patients with cerebrospinal fluid leakage belonged to grade 4 MACs. The incidence of cerebrospinal fluid leakage was higher in grade 4 MACs (5.13%) than in grade 2 MACs (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

This study found that the degree of pneumatization of MACs was closely related to the postoperative complications after MVD surgeries. Well-pneumatized MACs increase the risk of cerebrospinal fluid leakage and intracranial infection. However, insufficient exposure increases the risk of facial paralysis and hearing loss. For patients with well-pneumatized MACs, sufficient surgical exposure is the top priority when locating the bone hole. For those who may have a latent MAC opening, preventive occlusion should be considered.

What Should We Do after the COVID-19 Vaccination? Vaccine-Associated Diseases and Precautionary Measures against Adverse Reactions

COVID-19 vaccines have been used to counteract the global COVID-19 pandemic. While these are effective, adverse reactions have been reported, such as injection-site pain, muscle ache, fever, palpitation, and chest discomfort. The release of inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-1β, is a potential mechanism for post-vaccine side-effects. Chest discomfort after the vaccination, including myocarditis and acute coronary syndrome, is a particularly serious adverse reaction. It is important to be familiar with the differential diagnoses of chest discomfort and organ-specific diseases associated with COVID-19 vaccines as the preparation for booster shots and vaccinations among children aged 5–11 years begins. High-intensity exercise, alcohol, tobacco smoking, and baths promote inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-6, which may exacerbate the adverse reactions after vaccination. Japanese data show that deaths during baths are the most common for several days after mRNA vaccination. Additionally, alcohol and tobacco smoking were identified as predictive factors of lower antibody titers after vaccination. In this review, we aimed to provide a few recommendations to prevent vaccine-associated disease.

Neurological and neuropsychological adverse effects of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines - where do we stand?

The devastating characteristic of COVID-19 pandemic calls for immediate and effective solutions to tackle it. Vaccines seem to be the only promising and effective way to fight against the novel coronavirus - even against new mutated variants. Because of the rapid development and distribution of numerous COVID-19 vaccines in different platforms, meticulous evaluation of vaccines' safety is more critical than ever - especially given the fact that most of the candidates have not completed the clinical phase. Therefore, to optimize the vaccines' safety and efficacy, it is highly important to carefully report and scientifically discuss the serious adverse effects following vaccination. In this respect, we discuss different neurological and neuropsychological adverse effects of COVID-19 vaccines including demyelinating diseases, Bell's palsy (BP), cerebrovascular complications, seizures, functional neurological disorders (FNDs), and some other rare adverse events, and hypothetical mechanisms which can lead to the reported side effects. Given the fact that the incidence of such events are rare and most of them are treatable, the current review aims to shed light on how much the relationship between COVID-19 vaccines and these complications can be reliable and provide an insight for future studies with much more meticulous methodologies to discuss the possible correlational or causal relationship between these complications and COVID-19 vaccines and elucidate whether or not the neurological side effects of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccines can count as a considerable threat to public health.

Recent advances in nanotechnology-based COVID-19 vaccines and therapeutic antibodies

COVID-19 has caused a global pandemic and millions of deaths. It is imperative to develop effective countermeasures against the causative viral agent, SARS-CoV-2 and its many variants. Vaccines and therapeutic antibodies are the most effective approaches for preventing and treating COVID-19, respectively. SARS-CoV-2 enters host cells through the activities of the virus-surface spike (S) protein. Accordingly, the S protein is a prime target for vaccines and therapeutic antibodies. Dealing with particles with dimensions on the scale of nanometers, nanotechnology has emerged as a critical tool for rapidly designing and developing safe, effective, and urgently needed vaccines and therapeutics to control the COVID-19 pandemic. For example, nanotechnology was key to the fast-track approval of two mRNA vaccines for their wide use in human populations. In this review article, we first explore the roles of nanotechnology in battling COVID-19, including protein nanoparticles (for presentation of protein vaccines), lipid nanoparticles (for formulation with mRNAs), and nanobodies (as unique therapeutic antibodies). We then summarize the currently available COVID-19 vaccines and therapeutics based on nanotechnology.