Neurological autoimmune diseases following vaccinations against SARS-CoV-2: a case series

Multiple Sclerosis Onset before and after COVID-19 Vaccination: Can HLA Haplotype Be Determinant?

A few cases of multiple sclerosis (MS) onset after COVID-19 vaccination have been reported, although the evidence is insufficient to establish causality. The aim of this study is to compare cases of newly diagnosed relapsing-remitting MS before and after the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic and the impact of COVID-19 vaccination. Potential environmental and genetic predisposing factors were also investigated, as well as clinical patterns. This is a single-centre retrospective cohort study including all patients who presented with relapsing-remitting MS onset between January 2018 and July 2022. Data on COVID-19 vaccination administration, dose, and type were collected. HLA-DRB1 genotyping was performed in three subgroups. A total of 266 patients received a new diagnosis of relapsing-remitting MS in our centre, 143 before the COVID-19 pandemic (until and including March 2020), and 123 during the COVID-19 era (from April 2020). The mean number of new MS onset cases per year was not different before and during the COVID-19 era and neither were baseline patients' characteristics, type of onset, clinical recovery, or radiological patterns. Fourteen (11.4%) patients who subsequently received a new diagnosis of MS had a history of COVID-19 vaccination within one month before symptoms onset. Patients' characteristics, type of onset, clinical recovery, and radiological patterns did not differ from those of patients with non-vaccine-related new diagnoses of MS. The allele frequencies of HLA-DRB1*15 were 17.6% and 22.2% in patients with non-vaccine-related disease onset before and during the COVID-19 era, respectively, while no case of HLA-DRB1*15 was identified among patients with a new diagnosis of MS post-COVID-19 vaccine. In contrast, HLA-DRB1*08+ or HLA-DRB1*10+ MS patients were present only in this subgroup. Although a causal link between COVID-19 vaccination and relapsing-remitting MS cannot be detected, it is interesting to note and speculate about the peculiarities and heterogeneities underlying disease mechanisms of MS, where the interactions of genetics and the environment could be crucial also for the follow-up and the evaluation of therapeutic options.

Targeting the High-Density Lipoprotein Proteome for the Treatment of Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2

Here, we target the high-density lipoprotein (HDL) proteome in a case series of 16 patients with post-COVID-19 symptoms treated with HMG-Co-A reductase inhibitors (statin) plus angiotensin II type 1 receptor blockers (ARBs) for 6 weeks. Patients suffering from persistent symptoms (post-acute sequelae) after serologically confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection (post-COVID-19 syndrome, PCS, n = 8) or following SARS-CoV-2 vaccination (PVS, n = 8) were included. Asymptomatic subjects with corresponding serological findings served as healthy controls (n = 8/8). HDL was isolated using dextran sulfate precipitation and the HDL proteome of all study participants was analyzed quantitatively by mass spectrometry. Clinical symptoms were assessed using questionnaires before and after therapy. The inflammatory potential of the patients' HDL proteome was addressed in human endothelial cells. The HDL proteome of patients with PCS and PVS showed no significant differences; however, compared to controls, the HDL from PVS/PCS patients displayed significant alterations involving hemoglobin, cytoskeletal proteins (MYL6, TLN1, PARVB, TPM4, FLNA), and amyloid precursor protein. Gene Ontology Biological Process (GOBP) enrichment analysis identified hemostasis, peptidase, and lipoprotein regulation pathways to be involved. Treatment of PVS/PCS patients with statins plus ARBs improved the patients' clinical symptoms. After therapy, three proteins were significantly increased (FAM3C, AT6AP2, ADAM10; FDR < 0.05) in the HDL proteome from patients with PVS/PCS. Exposure of human endothelial cells with the HDL proteome from treated PVS/PCS patients revealed reduced inflammatory cytokine and adhesion molecule expression. Thus, HDL proteome analysis from PVS/PCS patients enables a deeper insight into the underlying disease mechanisms, pointing to significant involvement in metabolic and signaling disturbances. Treatment with statins plus ARBs improved clinical symptoms and reduced the inflammatory potential of the HDL proteome. These observations may guide future therapeutic strategies for PVS/PCS patients.

A Case Report of Autoimmune Encephalitis after Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination: The Role of Cognitive Impairments in the Diagnostic Process

OBJECTIVE

Autoimmune encephalitis includes a heterogeneous group of rare and complex diseases, usually presenting with severe and disabling symptoms, such as behavioral changes, cognitive deficits, and seizures.

METHOD

This report presents the case of a 26-year-old man who was diagnosed with autoimmune encephalitis following SARS-CoV-2 vaccination (<40 days). Symptoms first appeared in February 2022 with a temporal seizure, associated with confusion and memory loss. Psychiatric manifestations such as disorientation and altered thought contents emerged soon after.

RESULTS

Neuroimaging testing showed signs of hypometabolism in occipital, prefrontal, and temporal regions, whereas an extensive neuropsychological assessment revealed the presence of multiple alterations in memory, executive, and visuoconstructive processes.

CONCLUSIONS

In this case, a combination of neuroimaging testing, psychiatric evaluation, and neuropsychological assessment provided evidence for a diagnosis of autoimmune encephalitis post-vaccination. Early recognition is essential in order to prevent clinical progression; avoid intractable epilepsy, brain atrophy, and cognitive impairment; and improve prognosis.

Exploring clozapine pharmacokinetics in Tunisian schizophrenic patients: A population-based modelling approach investigating the impact of genetic and non-genetic variables

Clozapine is characterized by a large within- and between-patient variability in its pharmacokinetics, attributed to non-genetic and genetic factors. A cross-sectional analysis of clozapine trough concentration (Clz C0) issued from Tunisian schizophrenic patients was collected and analysed using a nonparametric modelling approach. We assessed the impact of demographic covariates (age, weight and sex), patient's habits (smoking status, alcohol and caffeine intake) and the genetic factors (CYP1A2*1C, CYP1A2*1F and CYP2C19*2 polymorphisms) on each pharmacokinetic parameter. An external validation of this pharmacokinetic model using an independent data set was performed. Fit goodness between observed- and individual-predicted data was evaluated using the mean prediction error (% MPE), the mean absolute prediction error (% MAPE) as a measure of bias, and the root mean squared error (% RMSE) as a measure of precision. Sixty-three CLz C0 values issued from 51 schizophrenic patients were assessed in this study and divided into building and validation groups. CYP1A2*1F polymorphism and smoking status were the only covariates significantly associated with clozapine clearance. Precision parameters were as follows: 1.02%, 0.95% and 22.4%, respectively, for % MPE, % MAPE and % RMSE. We developed and validated an accurate pharmacokinetic model able to predict Clz C0 in Tunisian schizophrenic patients using the two parameters CYP1A2*1F polymorphism and smoking.

The molecular fingerprint of neuroinflammation in COVID-19: A comprehensive discussion on molecular mechanisms of neuroinflammation due to SARS-COV2 antigens

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 attacks the neural system directly and indirectly via various systems, such as the nasal cavity, olfactory system, and facial nerves. Considering the high energy requirement, lack of antioxidant defenses, and high amounts of metal ions in the brain, oxidative damage is very harmful to the brain. Various neuropathic pain conditions, neurological disorders, and neuropsychiatric complications were reported in Coronavirus disease 2019, prolonged Coronavirus disease 2019, and after Coronavirus disease 2019 immunization. This manuscript offers a distinctive outlook on the interconnectedness between neurology and neuropsychiatry through its meticulous analysis of complications.

DISCUSSION

After recovering from Coronavirus disease 2019, approximately half of the patients reported developing Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Long Coronavirus disease 2019 imaging reports illustrated the hypometabolism in various parts of the brain, such as olfactory bulbs, limbic/paralimbic domains, the brainstem, and the cerebellum. Ninety imaging and neuropathological studies of Coronavirus disease 2019 have shown evidence of white matter, brainstem, frontotemporal, and oculofrontal lesions. Emotional functions, such as pleasant, long/short-term memory, movement, cognition and cognition in decision-making are controlled by these regions. The neuroinflammation and the mechanisms of defense are well presented in the discussion. The role of microglia activation, Inducible NO synthase, Cyclooxygenases ½, Reactive oxygen species, neurotoxic toxins and pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as Interleukin-1 beta, Interleukin-6 and Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha are highlighted in neuronal dysfunction and death. Nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells, Mitogen-activated protein kinase, Activator Protein 1, and Interferon regulatory factors are the main pathways involved in microglia activation in Coronavirus disease 2019 neuroinflammation.

CONCLUSION

The neurological aspect of Coronavirus disease 2019 should be highlighted. Neurological, psychological, and behavioral aspects of Coronavirus disease 2019, prolonged Coronavirus disease 2019, and Coronavirus disease 2019 vaccines can be the upcoming issues. We need a global awareness where this aspect of the disease should be more considered in health research.

Risk of encephalitis and meningitis after COVID-19 vaccination in South Korea: a self-controlled case series analysis

BACKGROUND

Several neurological manifestations shortly after a receipt of coronavirus infectious disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine have been described in the recent case reports. Among those, we sought to evaluate the risk of encephalitis and meningitis after COVID-19 vaccination in the entire South Korean population.

METHODS

We conducted self-controlled case series (SCCS) analysis using the COVID-19 immunization record data from the Korea Disease Control Agency between February 2021 and March 2022, linked with the National Health Insurance Database between January 2021 and October 2022. We retrieved all medical claims of adults aged 18 years or older who received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccines (BNT162b2, mRNA-1273, ChAdOx1-S, or Ad26.COV2.S), and included only those who had a diagnosis record for encephalitis or meningitis within the 240-day post-vaccination period. With day 0 defined as the date of vaccination, risk window was defined as days 1-28 and the control window as the remainder period excluding the risk windows within the 240-day period. We used conditional Poisson regression to estimate the incidence rate ratios (IRR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI), stratified by dose and vaccine type.

RESULTS

From 129,956,027 COVID-19 vaccine doses administered to 44,564,345 individuals, there were 251 and 398 cases of encephalitis and meningitis during the risk window, corresponding to 1.9 and 3.1 cases per 1 million doses, respectively. Overall, there was an increased risk of encephalitis in the first 28 days of COVID-19 vaccination (IRR 1.26; 95% CI 1.08-1.47), which was only significant after a receipt of ChAdOx1-S (1.49; 1.03-2.15). For meningitis, no increased risk was observed after any dose of COVID-19 vaccine (IRR 1.03; 95% CI 0.91-1.16).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest an overall increased risk of encephalitis after COVID-19 vaccination. However, the absolute risk was small and should not impede COVID-19 vaccine confidence. No significant association was found between the risk of meningitis and COVID-19 vaccination.

Immune-mediated encephalitis following SARS-CoV-2 vaccinations

OBJECTIVES

one of the neurological side effects of SARS-CoV-2 vaccinations is immune encephalitis. This review aims at summarising previous and current findings on the frequency, clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment, and outcome of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination-associated encephalitis (SC2VIE).

METHODS

narrative review of eligible articles meeting defined search criteria and published between January 2021 and January 2024.

RESULTS

A total of 21 patients with SC2VIE reported in 18 articles were included. The AstraZeneca vaccine (ChAdOx1) was the trigger in 10 cases, the Biontech Pfizer vaccine (BNT162b2) in 8 cases, and the Moderna (mRNA1273), CoronaVac, and Sinopharm vaccine (BBIBP-CorV) in one case each. The ages ranged from 21 to 82 years. Twelve patients were female. SC2VIE developed after the first dose in eight patients, after the second in six patients, and in two after the third dose. The latency between vaccination and onset of clinical manifestations ranged from 1 to 56d. Eighteen patients received steroids, one patient intravenous immunoglobulins, one patient plasmapheresis, and two patients rituximab. Complete recovery was achieved in nine patients and incomplete recovery in ten.

CONCLUSIONS

SC2VIE is not an uncommon complication of SARS-CoV-2 vaccinations. The clinical presentation and treatment of SC2VIE do not differ from those of autoimmune encephalitis of other causes. Since SC2VIE can manifest only as a psychiatric disease, patients with post-SARS-CoV-2 vaccination psychosis should be evaluated for SC2VIA. The outcome of SC2VIE depends largely on the severity of the immune response and comorbidities.

Self-DNA driven inflammation in COVID-19 and after mRNA-based vaccination: lessons for non-COVID-19 pathologies

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic triggered an unprecedented concentration of economic and research efforts to generate knowledge at unequalled speed on deregulated interferon type I signalling and nuclear factor kappa light chain enhancer in B-cells (NF-κB)-driven interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-18 secretion causing cytokine storms. The translation of the knowledge on how the resulting systemic inflammation can lead to life-threatening complications into novel treatments and vaccine technologies is underway. Nevertheless, previously existing knowledge on the role of cytoplasmatic or circulating self-DNA as a pro-inflammatory damage-associated molecular pattern (DAMP) was largely ignored. Pathologies reported 'de novo' for patients infected with Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (SARS-CoV)-2 to be outcomes of self-DNA-driven inflammation in fact had been linked earlier to self-DNA in different contexts, e.g., the infection with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)-1, sterile inflammation, and autoimmune diseases. I highlight particularly how synergies with other DAMPs can render immunogenic properties to normally non-immunogenic extracellular self-DNA, and I discuss the shared features of the gp41 unit of the HIV-1 envelope protein and the SARS-CoV 2 Spike protein that enable HIV-1 and SARS-CoV-2 to interact with cell or nuclear membranes, trigger syncytia formation, inflict damage to their host's DNA, and trigger inflammation - likely for their own benefit. These similarities motivate speculations that similar mechanisms to those driven by gp41 can explain how inflammatory self-DNA contributes to some of most frequent adverse events after vaccination with the BNT162b2 mRNA (Pfizer/BioNTech) or the mRNA-1273 (Moderna) vaccine, i.e., myocarditis, herpes zoster, rheumatoid arthritis, autoimmune nephritis or hepatitis, new-onset systemic lupus erythematosus, and flare-ups of psoriasis or lupus. The hope is to motivate a wider application of the lessons learned from the experiences with COVID-19 and the new mRNA vaccines to combat future non-COVID-19 diseases.

Spectrum of various CNS inflammatory demyelination diseases following COVID-19 vaccinations

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Although rare, neurological adverse events have been reported post-COVID-19 vaccination. This study reports 16 patients diagnosed with CNS inflammatory demyelinating diseases (CNS-IDD) within 6 weeks of COVID-19 vaccine administration.

METHODOLOGY

A prospective observational study was conducted from June 2021 to May 2022. All patients were diagnosed according to the latest international guidelines with CNS-IDD within 6 weeks of COVID-19 vaccine exposure. Data regarding the demographic profile, clinical features, type of COVID-19 vaccination, radiological findings and occurrence of symptoms were noted and further analysed using descriptive statistics.

RESULTS

We reported 16 cases (median age 40 years) of CNS demyelination: fourteen occurred in temporal association with ChAdOx1-S vaccine and two in association with BBV152 vaccine. Median time duration of presenting symptoms after vaccination was 19 days (3-40 days). The most common presentation was myelitis (7/16 patients), followed by optic neuritis (6/16 patients). Demyelination events were reported after first and second dose in thirteen and five patients respectively, although two patients reported such events after both vaccine dosages. Myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) IgG antibodies were positive in eight patients. Tumefactive demyelination was seen in four patients. Management included high-dose methylprednisolone, PLEX, IVIG or a combination of those, with a favourable outcome in the majority of cases.

CONCLUSION

Although a rare event, awareness regarding potential demyelinating episodes post-COVID-19 vaccination can help in early diagnosis. The presence of increased MOG-IgG antibodies with temporal association in post-COVID vaccine patients raises a possibility of an immunogenic phenomenon leading to demyelinating disorders.

Safety of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine in patients with autoimmune neurological conditions: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Introduction

Risk of adverse effects and exacerbation in autoimmune neurological conditions (ANC)are frequently cited reasons for COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. This study evaluates the ANC safety of COVID-19 vaccines in the real world.

Methods

Electronic databases were searched to identify studies reporting the use of the COVID-19 vaccine in ANC. We selected studies that provided data on adverse effects and worsening conditions related to ANC after vaccination. The pooled incidence rates for various adverse effects, stratified for the disease category, dosage, and type of vaccine, were estimated.

Results

Twenty-eight studies (31 vaccination cohorts) were included. The pooled incidence rate of general adverse events was 0.35 (95%CI, 0.27-0.43, I2 = 100 %). The pooled incidence rates of local injection reaction, fatigue, weakness, myalgia, fever, headache, and chills were 0.27 (0.18-0.36, I2 = 98 %), 0.16(0.11-0.21, I2 = 93 %), 0.15(0.00-0.31, I2 = 97 %), 0.13(0.08-0.19, I2 = 97 %), 0.11(0.07-0.15, I2 = 95 %), 0.11(0.07-0.16, I2 = 97 %), and 0.09 (0.03-0.16, I2 = 96 %), respectively. The pooled incidence rate of exacerbation adverse events was 0.05 (95%CI, 0.04-0.07, I2 = 84 %).

Conclusion

According to available evidence, the administration of COVID-19 vaccines in individuals with autoimmune neurological disorders seems well-tolerated, with few reports of adverse events. Furthermore, exacerbation of autoimmune neurological conditions following vaccination appears to be infrequent.

High-resolution MR neurography follow-up of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination-associated neuralgic amyotrophy

Little is known about the value of high-resolution follow-up imaging in patients with neuralgic amyotrophy (NA) and the question of the best treatment algorithm remains unclear. Three patients (one female, two male) with the clinical presentation of SARS-CoV-2-vaccination-associated NA underwent initial magnetic resonance neurography (MRN) imaging and follow-up examinations. All patients showed a marked clinical improvement, independent of treatment, including an almost full recovery of motor function over the course of 8-12 months which was accurately mirrored by imaging findings on MRN. MRN imaging is a valuable tool for monitoring the further clinical course of patients suffering from vaccination-associated NA.

Autoimmune inflammatory reactions triggered by the COVID-19 genetic vaccines in terminally differentiated tissues

As a result of the spread of SARS-CoV-2, a global pandemic was declared. Indiscriminate COVID-19 vaccination has been extended to include age groups and naturally immune people with minimal danger of suffering serious complications due to COVID-19. Solid immuno-histopathological evidence demonstrates that the COVID-19 genetic vaccines can display a wide distribution within the body, affecting tissues that are terminally differentiated and far away from the injection site. These include the heart and brain, which may incur in situ production of spike protein eliciting a strong autoimmunological inflammatory response. Due to the fact that every human cell which synthesises non-self antigens, inevitably becomes the target of the immune system, and since the human body is not a strictly compartmentalised system, accurate pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic studies are needed in order to determine precisely which tissues can be harmed. Therefore, our article aims to draw the attention of the scientific and regulatory communities to the critical need for biodistribution studies for the genetic vaccines against COVID-19, as well as for rational harm-benefit assessments by age group.

Characteristics of Persistent Symptoms Manifested after SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination: An Observational Retrospective Study in a Specialized Clinic for Vaccination-Related Adverse Events

Background: Although many adverse reactions after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination have been reported, there have been few comprehensive studies on persistent symptoms after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. The aim of this study was to determine the clinical characteristics of patients with various persistent symptoms after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. Methods: A retrospective descriptive study was performed for patients who visited a specialized clinic established at Okayama University Hospital to evaluate adverse events after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination during the period from April 2021 to March 2023. Results: Descriptive analysis was performed for 121 of 127 patients who visited the clinic during the study period, and separate analysis was performed for the other 6 patients who had serious complications, who required treatment with prednisolone, and who had persistent symptoms. The median [interquartile range] age of the patients was 48 years [31-64 years], and the patients included 44 males (36.4%) and 77 females (63.6%). The most frequent symptoms were sensory impairment (34 patients, 28.1%), general fatigue (30 patients, 24.8%), fever/low-grade fever (21 patients, 17.4%), and headache (21 patients, 17.4%). Serious complications included myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), sarcoidosis, aseptic meningitis, neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSDs), tendon adhesions, and idiopathic thrombocytopenia. Conclusions: Although causal relationships were not determined, 15 persistent symptoms after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination were characterized. All of the symptoms had onset from 12 hours to one week after vaccination, with 10 symptoms persisting for 6 months or longer. The most frequent symptom was sensory impairment.

Anti-GAD antibody-positive fulminant type 1 diabetes developed following SARS-CoV-2 vaccination

Vaccines against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) have been used worldwide since the 2020 coronavirus pandemic. However, several negative side-effects of these vaccines have been reported. Herein, we present a case of a patient with fulminant type 1 diabetes that developed shortly after administration of the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. A 47-year-old man with no medical history presented with hyperglycemia-related symptoms shortly after receiving the third messenger ribonucleic acid SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. Based on hyperglycemia, diabetic ketoacidosis at onset, relatively low hemoglobin A1c levels, and complete depletion of endogenous insulin secretion, the patient was diagnosed with fulminant type 1 diabetes and insulin therapy was initiated. Through human leukocyte antigen genotyping, the disease-susceptible alleles for type 1 diabetes, DRB1*04:05 and DQB1*04:01, were identified. The patient tested positive for serum anti-glutamic acid decarboxylase antibodies, which are normally negative for fulminant type 1 diabetes, implying that immunomodulation triggered by SARS-CoV-2 vaccination influenced the onset of type 1 diabetes.

The Potential Role of SARS-CoV-2 Infection and Vaccines in Multiple Sclerosis Onset and Reactivation: A Case Series and Literature Review

The recent SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and related vaccines have raised several issues. Among them, the potential role of the viral infection (COVID-19) or anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccines as causal factors of dysimmune CNS disorders, as well as the safety and efficacy of vaccines in patients affected by such diseases and on immune-active treatments have been analyzed. The aim is to better understand the relationship between SARS-CoV-2 infection/vaccines with dysimmune CNS diseases by describing 12 cases of multiple sclerosis/myelitis onset or reactivation after exposure to SARS-CoV-2 infection/vaccines and reviewing all published case reports or case series in which MS onset or reactivation was temporally associated with either COVID-19 (8 case reports, 3 case series) or anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccines (13 case reports, 6 case series). All the cases share a temporal association between viral/vaccine exposure and symptoms onset. This finding, together with direct or immune-based mechanisms described both during COVID-19 and MS, claims in favor of a role for SARS-CoV-2 infection/vaccines in unmasking dysimmune CNS disorders. The most common clinical presentations involve the optic nerve, brainstem and spinal cord. The preferential tropism of the virus together with the presence of some host-related genetic/immune factors might predispose to the involvement of specific CNS districts.

Seronegative acute encephalitis following COVID-19 vaccines: a case series of an overlooked diagnosis with literature review

PURPOSE

Autoimmune encephalitis is a neurological emergency of new-onset altered mental status, caused by an exaggerated immune-mediated response that targets the central nervous system. Autoimmune encephalitis has become an emerging differential diagnosis, when a classical infection cannot explain neurological symptoms. Displaying overlapping clinical presentations, ranging from the insidious onset of cognitive deficiency to more severe forms of encephalopathy with refractory seizures, autoimmune encephalitis can be challenging for clinicians. When evidence of malignancy is absent and pathogenic autoantibodies are undetected, with typical clinical and imaging features of autoimmune encephalitis, seronegative autoimmune encephalitis may be considered. Recently, vaccination-related autoimmune encephalitis and acute encephalitis after COVID-19 vaccination have attracted attention.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We report a case series consisting of three patients with autoimmune encephalitis occurring shortly after COVID-19 vaccination and a current review of all previous reported autoimmune encephalitis related to COVID-19 vaccines.

CONCLUSION

We emphasise on the prompt diagnosis of autoimmune encephalitis induced by Covid-19 vaccines and its timely treatment to improve the clinical outcome of this severe neurological condition. Post-licencing vaccine safety surveillance for potential adverse events is essential for vaccine safety and public confidence.

IgG4 Antibodies Induced by Repeated Vaccination May Generate Immune Tolerance to the SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein

Less than a year after the global emergence of the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, a novel vaccine platform based on mRNA technology was introduced to the market. Globally, around 13.38 billion COVID-19 vaccine doses of diverse platforms have been administered. To date, 72.3% of the total population has been injected at least once with a COVID-19 vaccine. As the immunity provided by these vaccines rapidly wanes, their ability to prevent hospitalization and severe disease in individuals with comorbidities has recently been questioned, and increasing evidence has shown that, as with many other vaccines, they do not produce sterilizing immunity, allowing people to suffer frequent re-infections. Additionally, recent investigations have found abnormally high levels of IgG4 in people who were administered two or more injections of the mRNA vaccines. HIV, Malaria, and Pertussis vaccines have also been reported to induce higher-than-normal IgG4 synthesis. Overall, there are three critical factors determining the class switch to IgG4 antibodies: excessive antigen concentration, repeated vaccination, and the type of vaccine used. It has been suggested that an increase in IgG4 levels could have a protecting role by preventing immune over-activation, similar to that occurring during successful allergen-specific immunotherapy by inhibiting IgE-induced effects. However, emerging evidence suggests that the reported increase in IgG4 levels detected after repeated vaccination with the mRNA vaccines may not be a protective mechanism; rather, it constitutes an immune tolerance mechanism to the spike protein that could promote unopposed SARS-CoV2 infection and replication by suppressing natural antiviral responses. Increased IgG4 synthesis due to repeated mRNA vaccination with high antigen concentrations may also cause autoimmune diseases, and promote cancer growth and autoimmune myocarditis in susceptible individuals.

Increased incidence of giant cell arteritis and associated stroke during the COVID-19 pandemic in Spain: A nation-wide population study

INTRODUCTION

SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 vaccines might have increased the incidence of giant-cell arteritis (GCA) and the risk of associated stroke in Spain.

METHODS

Retrospective nation-wide observational analysis of all adults hospitalized with GCA in Spain during 5 years (Jan-2016 and Dec-2021. The incidence and proportion of admissions with or because of GCA and GCA-associated stroke were compared between pre-pandemic (2016-2019) and pandemic (2020 and 2021) years. Sensitivity analyses were conducted for the different COVID-19 waves and vaccine timing schedules.

RESULTS

A total of 17,268 hospital admissions in patients diagnosed with GCA were identified. During 2020 there were 79.3 and 8.1 per 100,000 admissions of GCA and GCA-associated stroke, respectively. During 2021 these figures were 80.8 and 7.7 per 100,00 admissions, respectively. As comparison, yearly admissions due to GCA and GCA-associated stroke were 72.4 and 5.7 per 100,00, respectively, during the pre-pandemic period (p < 0.05). Coincident with the third wave of COVID-19 (and first vaccine dosing), the rate of GCA-associated stroke admissions increased significantly (from 6.6 to 12%; p < 0.001). Likewise, there was an increase in GCA-associated stroke (6.6% vs 4.1%, p = 0.016) coincident with the third dose vaccination (booster) in patients older than 70 at the end of 2021. In multivariate analysis, only patients admitted during the third COVID-19 wave (and first vaccine dosing) (OR = 1.89, 95% CI 1.22-2.93), and during the third vaccination dosing in patients older than 70 (booster) (OR = 1.66, CI 1.11-2.49), presented a higher GCA-associated stroke risk than the same months of previous years after adjustment by age, sex, classical cardiovascular risk factors and COVID-19 diagnosis.

CONCLUSIONS

The COVID-19 pandemic led to an increased incidence of GCA during 2020 and 2021. Moreover, the risk of associated stroke significantly risen accompanying times of COVID-19 vaccine dosing, hypothetically linked to an increased thrombotic risk of mRNA-SARS-CoV-2 vaccines. Hence, forthcoming vaccine policies and indications must weigh the risk of severe COVID-19 with the risk of flare or stroke in patients with GCA.

Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis and Acute Encephalitis Following Vaccination Against SARS-CoV-2: Two Case Reports and Review of Literature

The spectrum of severe neurological complications following COVID-19 vaccination includes cerebrovascular events, inflammatory diseases of the CNS, cranial and peripheral nerve involvement and muscle affections. Post-vaccinal acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) and acute encephalitis are rare. We report on a patient suffering from acute encephalitis and another with post-vaccinal monophasic ADEM. Beside imaging features typical for acute autoimmune associated inflammation, cranial MRI disclosed also transient haemorrhagic signal alterations in some cerebral lesions. To our best knowledge, this has not been mentioned before in literature. Competing causes were excluded by extensive laboratory investigations including serial CSF analysis. In line with the literature, repeated iv high-dosage corticosteroid therapy resulted in impressive improvement of neurological symptoms in both patients.

Acute central nervous system inflammation following COVID-19 vaccination: An observational cohort study

BACKGROUND

Reports suggest a potential association between coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines and acute central nervous system (CNS) inflammation.

OBJECTIVE

The main objective of this study is to describe features of acute CNS inflammation following COVID-19 vaccination.

METHODS

A retrospective observational cohort study was performed at the BARLO MS Centre in Toronto, Canada. Clinicians reported acute CNS inflammatory events within 60 days after a COVID-19 vaccine from March 2021 to August 2022. Clinical characteristics were evaluated.

RESULTS

Thirty-eight patients (median age 39 (range: 20-82) years; 60.5% female) presented within 0-55 (median 15) days of a receiving a COVID-19 vaccine and were diagnosed with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (MS) (n = 16), post-vaccine transverse myelitis (n = 7), clinically isolated syndrome (n = 5), MS relapse (n = 4), tumefactive demyelination (n = 2), myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody disease (n = 1), neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (n = 1), chronic lymphocytic inflammation with pontine perivascular enhancement responsive to steroids (n = 1) and primary autoimmune cerebellar ataxia (n = 1). Twenty-two received acute treatment and 21 started disease-modifying therapy. Sixteen received subsequent COVID-19 vaccination, of which 87.5% had no new or worsening neurological symptoms.

CONCLUSION

To our knowledge, this is the largest study describing acute CNS inflammation after COVID-19 vaccination. We could not determine whether the number of inflammatory events was higher than expected.

Metabotropic glutamate receptor 5-related autoimmune encephalitis with reversible splenial lesion syndrome following SARS-CoV-2 vaccination

RATIONALE

Metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 (mGluR5)-related autoimmune encephalitis (AE) has been rarely reported; however, there are no reports on mGluR5-related AE with reversible splenial lesion syndrome following vaccination against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 29-year-old man was admitted with a history of headache and fever for 9 days and 6 days, respectively.

DIAGNOSIS

He was initially diagnosed with an intracranial infection, however the final diagnosis was corrected as anti-mGluR5-related AE with reversible splenial lesion syndrome.

INTERVENTIONS

He had received an inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine 3 weeks prior to the examination and was initially diagnosed with an intracranial infection. Physical examination revealed bilateral horizontal nystagmus, ataxia, and neck rigidity. Antiinfective therapy was minimally helpful. An analysis of the cerebrospinal fluid did not reveal pathogens for sequencing. Magnetic resonance imaging displayed abnormal signals in the splenium of the corpus callosum.

OUTCOMES

We identified mGluR5 antibodies in the cerebrospinal fluid and serum. Subsequently, intravenous methylprednisolone pulse and gamma-globulin pulse therapies were administered, which substantially improved the symptoms. Follow-up did not reveal abnormal neurological symptoms, and the lesion in the corpus callosum had resolved.

LESSONS

AE with mGluR5 antibodies could arise from SARS-CoV-2 vaccination, which warrants the awareness of healthcare workers. Reversible splenial lesion syndrome may accompany mGluR5-related AE and mimic intracranial infection. Thus, early treatment can prevent serious residual signs and symptoms.

Ocular Myasthenia Gravis: A Current Overview

Ocular myasthenia gravis (OMG) is a neuromuscular disease characterized by autoantibody production against post-synaptic proteins in the neuromuscular junction. The pathophysiological auto-immune mechanisms of myasthenia are diverse, and this is governed primarily by the type of autoantibody production. The diagnosis of OMG relies mainly on clinical assessment, the use of serological antibody assays for acetylcholine receptors (AchR), muscle-specific tyrosine kinase (MusK), and low-density lipoprotein 4 (LPR4). Other autoantibodies against post-synaptic proteins, such as cortactin and agrin, have been detected; however, their diagnostic value and pathogenic effect are not yet clearly defined. Clinical tests such as the ice test and electrophysiologic tests, particularly single-fiber electromyography, have a valuable role in diagnosis. The treatment of OMG is primarily through cholinesterase inhibitors (pyridostigmine), and steroids are frequently required in cases of ophthalmoplegia. Other immunosuppressive therapies include antimetabolites (azathioprine, mycophenolate mofetil, methotrexate) and biological agents such as B-cell depleting agents (Rituximab) and complement inhibitors (eculizumab). Evidence is scarce on the effect of immunosuppressive therapy on altering the natural course of OMG. Clinicians must be vigilant of a myasthenic syndrome in patients using immune-check inhibitors. Reliable and consistent biomarkers are required to assess disease severity and response to therapy to optimize the management of OMG. The purpose of this review is to summarize the current trends and the latest developments in diagnosing and treating OMG.

Autoimmune/inflammatory syndrome induced by adjuvants (ASIA) in 2023

In 2011, a syndrome entitled ASIA (Autoimmune/inflammatory Syndrome Induced by Adjuvants; Shoenfeld's syndrome) was first described. ASIA aimed to organize under a single umbrella, the existing evidence regarding certain environmental factors which possess immune stimulatory properties, in order to shed light on a common pathway of autoimmune pathogenesis. Such environmental immune stimulators, or adjuvants, include among others: aluminum salts as in vaccines, various medical implants, as well as various infectious agents. After the launch of the ASIA syndrome, the expansion and recognition of this syndrome by different researchers from different countries began. During the past decades, evidence had been accumulating that (auto)immune symptoms can be triggered by exposure to environmental immune stimulatory factors that act as an adjuvant in genetically susceptible individuals. A panoply of unexplained subjective and autonomic-related symptoms has been reported in patients with ASIA syndrome. The current review summarizes and updates accumulated knowledge from the past decades, describing new adjuvants- (e.g. polypropylene meshes) and vaccine- (e.g. HPV and COVID vaccines) induced ASIA. Furthermore, a direct association between inflammatory/autoimmune diseases with ASIA syndrome, will be discussed. Recent cases will strengthen some of the criteria depicted in ASIA syndrome such as clear improvement of symptoms by the removal of adjuvants (e.g. silicone breast implants) from the body of patients. Finally, we will introduce additional factors to be included in the criteria for ASIA syndrome such as: (1) dysregulated non-classical autoantibodies directed against G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) of the autonomic nervous system and (2)) small fiber neuropathy (SFN), both of which might explain, at least in part, the development of 'dysautonomia' reported in many ASIA patients.

Neurological autoimmune diseases following vaccinations against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2): A follow-up study

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Population-based studies suggest severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccines may trigger neurological autoimmunity including immune-mediated thrombotic thrombocytopenia. Long-term characterization of cases is warranted to facilitate patient care and inform vaccine-hesitant individuals.

METHODS

In this single-center prospective case study with a median follow-up of 387 days long-term clinical, laboratory and imaging characteristics of patients with neurological autoimmunity diagnosed in temporal association (≤6 weeks) with SARS-CoV-2 vaccinations are reported.

RESULTS

Follow-up data were available for 20 cases (central nervous system demyelinating diseases n = 8, inflammatory peripheral neuropathies n = 4, vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia n = 3, myositis n = 2, myasthenia n = 1, limbic encephalitis n = 1, giant cell arteritis n = 1). Following therapy, the overall disability level improved (median modified Rankin Scale at diagnosis 3 vs. 1 at follow-up). The condition of two patients worsened despite immunosuppressants possibly related to their autoimmune diagnoses (limbic encephalitis n = 1, giant cell arteritis n = 1). At 12 months' follow-up, 12 patients achieved complete clinical remissions with partial responses in five and stable disease in one case. Correspondingly, autoimmune antibodies were non-detectable or titers had significantly lowered in all, and repeat imaging revealed radiological responses in most cases. Under vigilant monitoring 15 patients from our cohort underwent additional SARS-CoV-2 vaccinations (BNT162b2 n = 12, mRNA-1273 n = 3). Most patients (n = 11) received different vaccines than prior to diagnosis of neurological autoimmunity. Except for one short-lasting relapse, which responded well to steroids, re-vaccinations were well tolerated.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study long-term characteristics of neurological autoimmunity encountered after SARS-CoV-2 vaccinations are defined. Outcome was favorable in most cases. Re-vaccinations were well tolerated and should be considered on an individual risk/benefit analysis.

Case Report: Acquired Brown Syndrome after COVID-19 Vaccination

SIGNIFICANCE

Brown syndrome, or superior oblique tendon sheath syndrome, is characterized by limitation of elevation on adduction. The disorder is thought to involve the trochlea/superior oblique tendon complex through traumatic, surgical, and inflammatory mechanisms. It could be an indication of multiple underlying immunological or rheumatological disorders.

PURPOSE

This study aimed to report an unusual strabismus after receiving the first dose of a live attenuated coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine.

CASE REPORT

A 31-year-old female patient presented with painful vertical diplopia and tenderness of the left trochlear area 3 days after the first dose of COVID-19 vaccination. She had a compensatory chin elevation and face turn to the right, as well as a left 10-prism-diopter hypotropia in the primary position, which increased to 15 prism diopters in the right gaze and disappeared in the left gaze. Ocular motility revealed the limitation of elevation on adduction. The patient denied any history of ocular trauma and was consequently investigated for dysthyroid disease and various immunological and rheumatological disorders, which were excluded. A Hess chart was obtained to document the motility disorder.

CONCLUSIONS

We report a case of acquired Brown syndrome in a 31-year-old otherwise healthy woman shortly after COVID-19 vaccination. It is possible that the patient may have developed trochleitis and/or superior oblique tenosynovitis brought on by cross-reacting antibodies generated by the immune response to the vaccine. In the age of the widest vaccination campaign in human history, it is highly likely that we will continue to observe many unexpected potential adverse effects of these vaccines in our clinical practice.

Can COVID-19 Vaccines Induce Premature Non-Communicable Diseases: Where Are We Heading to?

According to the WHO, as of January 2023, more than 850 million cases and over 6.6 million deaths from COVID-19 have been reported worldwide. Currently, the death rate has been reduced due to the decreased pathogenicity of new SARS-CoV-2 variants, but the major factor in the reduced death rates is the administration of more than 12.8 billion vaccine doses globally. While the COVID-19 vaccines are saving lives, serious side effects have been reported after vaccinations for several premature non-communicable diseases (NCDs). However, the reported adverse events are low in number. The scientific community must investigate the entire spectrum of COVID-19-vaccine-induced complications so that necessary safety measures can be taken, and current vaccines can be re-engineered to avoid or minimize their side effects. We describe in depth severe adverse events for premature metabolic, mental, and neurological disorders; cardiovascular, renal, and autoimmune diseases, and reproductive health issues detected after COVID-19 vaccinations and whether these are causal or incidental. In any case, it has become clear that the benefits of vaccinations outweigh the risks by a large margin. However, pre-existing conditions in vaccinated individuals need to be taken into account in the prevention and treatment of adverse events.

X-linked Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination mimicked stroke-like episodes: A case report

BACKGROUND

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccinations have been administered worldwide, with occasional reports of associated neurological complications. Specifically, the impact of vaccinations on individuals with X-linked Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 1 (CMTX1) is unclear. Patients with CMTX1 can have stroke-like episodes with posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), although this is rare.

CASE SUMMARY

A 39-year-old man was admitted with episodic aphasia and dysphagia for 2 d. He received SARS-CoV-2 vaccination 39 d before admission. Physical examination showed pes cavus and reduced tendon reflexes. Brain MRI showed bilateral, symmetrical, restricted diffusion with T2 hyperintensities in the cerebral hemispheres. Nerve conduction studies revealed peripheral nerve damage. He was diagnosed with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, and a hemizygous mutation in the GJB1 gene on the X chromosome, known to be pathogenic for CMTX1, was identified. Initially, we suspected transient ischemic attack or demyelinating leukoencephalopathy. We initiated treatment with antithrombotic therapy and immunotherapy. At 1.5 mo after discharge, brain MRI showed complete resolution of lesions, with no recurrence.

CONCLUSION

SARS-CoV-2 vaccination could be a predisposing factor for CMTX1 and trigger a sudden presentation.

Immune-Mediated Diseases Following COVID-19 Vaccination: Report of a Teaching Hospital-Based Case-Series

The occurrence and course of immune-mediated diseases (IMDs) following COVID-19 vaccination has been little explored so far. We retrieved, among adult patients hospitalized at the Internal Department of a French university hospital up to May 2022, all those who had developed, or relapsed to, an IMD less than 3 weeks following COVID-19 vaccination, without other triggers. Twenty-seven (24 new-onset) post-COVID-19 vaccine IMDs were recorded. They comprised giant cell arteritis or polymyalgia rheumatica (n = 16, HLA-DRB1*04 in 58% of 12 assessed GCA cases), immune-mediated necrotizing myositis or acute rhabdomyolysis, systemic vasculitis, immune thrombocytopenic purpura, rheumatoid arthritis, anti-synthetase syndrome, and adult-onset Still's disease. The causative vaccines were mRNA-based (20 cases) or viral vector-based (7 cases). The IMD typically occurred after the first vaccine dose, with an average delay of 8 (5 SD) days. The patients' mean age was 67 years, and 58% were women. The IMDs had protracted courses in all but three of the patients and typically required high-dose glucocorticoids, in combination with immunomodulators in 13 patients. One patient died of intractable rhabdomyolysis, whereas five suffered permanent damage from IMDs. Eleven patients with well-controlled IMDs completed their COVID-19 vaccination schedule, and two suffered mild IMD relapses. There is a risk of IMDs, notably GCA/PMR, and muscle disorders, following COVID-19 vaccination. Such adverse reactions typically occurred after the first dose, raising concern about subsequent COVID-19 vaccinations. However, early re-challenge in well-controlled IMDs appeared safe.

Bilateral Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Following COVID-19 Vaccination: A Case Report

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) continues to pose significant health challenges, with insights into long-term disease sequelae emerging. The post-viral effects resulting from COVID-19 are being investigated and 'long COVID-19' is now a recognised phenomenon. As part of the spectrum of comorbidities, acute-onset neuropathy is associated with infection. The public health response aimed at limiting morbidity and mortality is rooted in vaccination programmes. With the extensive roll-out of novel vaccinations, there has been careful monitoring of temporally associated health problems. Some of the documented associations include neuropathy and entrapment neuropathies. This case report details a patient presenting with bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) post their second dose of AZD1222 (ChAdOx1 nCoV-19) vaccination. Though we do not claim causality, the emerging post-vaccination immune-mediated effects may ultimately be proven to include neuropathy exacerbation. Meticulous recording of such associations is required as it is of great relevance to the hand surgeon managing CTS. Level of Evidence: Level V (Therapeutic).

Relapses after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder and multiple sclerosis

BACKGROUND

The COVID-19 pandemic outbreak raises the question of whether immunization is recommended for patients with CNS demyelinating diseases. On the one hand, existing studies suggested that SARS-CoV-2 vaccinations are not associated with increased risk of relapse activity. On the other hand, case reports with acute CNS demyelinating disease post vaccination were emerging and raising clinicians' attention.

METHODS

In this longitudinal observational study, we included 556 patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) and 280 patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). Each vaccinated patient was matched to two unvaccinated patients according to age, gender, ARR and immunotherapy status, based on propensity score matching model (PSM). The primary outcome is the short- and medium-term risk of relapse, which were evaluated by Kaplan-Meier analysis between groups.

RESULTS

In our cohort, 649 patients (77.6%) have not yet been vaccinated, mainly due to their concerns about relapse. After PSM, 109 vaccinated patients with NMOSD, 218 PS-matched unvaccinated patients with NMOSD, 78 vaccinated patients with RRMS, and 156 PS-matched unvaccinated patients with RRMS were included in the survival analysis to explore the safety of vaccines, with a median of 9-month follow-up. Following the first vaccination dose, 10 patients with NMOSD (9.2%) and four with RRMS (5.1%) experienced an acute relapse. Meanwhile, in the PS-matched unvaccinated group, 15 patients with NMOSD (6.9%) and 12 patients with RRMS (7.7%) presented with an acute relapse. There was no significant difference between the two curves in both NMOSD and RRMS groups over the course of the observation period. There were no significant differences in demographic characteristics, clinical characteristics, and symptoms of relapses between the vaccinated and PS-matched unvaccinated groups. Post vaccination adverse events (ADE) were reported in 39 individuals (20.9%).

CONCLUSION

Our results indicate that inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccines appear safe for patients with CNS demyelinating diseases.

The Risk of Autoimmunity Development following mRNA COVID-19 Vaccination

The broad spectrum of interactions between autoimmune diseases and the SARS-CoV-2 vaccination is not fully understood. This study aims to evaluate the prevalence of anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA), anti-ENA, anticardiolipin antibodies (ACL), and anti-beta-2 glycoprotein I antibodies (anti-β2GPI) before and after the SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccination in a real-life setting in healthcare professionals. The identification of risk factors associated with vaccine immunogenicity was evaluated. The study group consisted of employees of two hospitals (354 individuals). Samples for antibody assays were collected before vaccination and at 7-9 months after complete immunisation. There was no significant increase in the prevalence of ANA, ACL or anti-β2GPI antibodies, or autoimmune diseases in subjects who were vaccinated 7-9 months after complete immunisation. In terms of detected anti-ENA, the anti-DFS70 antibodies were found in 6 times more subjects than before vaccination at the second blood draw (in 18 and 3 subjects, respectively) (p = 0.001). There were no significant relationships between a SARS-CoV-2 infection history, humoral response, cellular response, subject category, smoking, sex, body weight, ANA, anti-ENA, ACL, or anti-β2GPI. This study revealed a possible association between the severity of vaccine adverse events (VAEs) and ANA titre. Individuals with more severe VAEs (>10 points) after the second dose of the vaccine had significantly higher ANA titre after complete immunization. When analysing the significance of time between the ANA, anti-ENA, ACL, and anti- β2GPI assays and complete immunisation antibody values, no qualitative result was statistically significant. There was correlation between the time since complete immunization and ANA after.

Autoimmune encephalitis after BBIBP-CorV (Sinopharm) COVID-19 vaccination: a case report

Background

Vaccination is an important public health strategy; however, many neurological adverse effects are associated with COVID-19 vaccination, being encephalitis a rare manifestation.

Case presentation

We present the case of a 33-year-old woman who received the first dose of the BBIBP-CorV vaccine against COVID-19 on April 4 and the second dose on April 28, 2021. Three days after receiving the second dose, she experienced a subacute episode of headache, fever, insomnia, and transient episodes of environment disconnection. We obtained negative results for infectious, systemic, and oncological causes. Brain magnetic resonance imaging showed lesions in the bilateral caudate nucleus and nonspecific demyelinating lesions at the supratentorial and infratentorial compartments. The results of the neuronal autoantibodies panel were negative. She had an adequate response to immunoglobulin and methylprednisolone; however, she experienced an early clinical relapse and received a new cycle of immunosuppressive treatment followed by a satisfactory clinical evolution.

Conclusions

We report the first case of severe encephalitis associated with BBIBP-CorV (Sinopharm) vaccination in Latin America. The patient had atypical imaging patterns, with early clinical relapse and a favorable response to corticosteroid therapy.

The Incidence and Effect of Adverse Events Due to COVID-19 Vaccines on Breakthrough Infections: Decentralized Observational Study With Underrepresented Groups

Background

Despite continuing efforts to improve the inclusion of underserved groups in clinical research, gaps in diversity remain. Participation of special populations is especially important when facing problems of unprecedented complexity such as the COVID-19 pandemic. A better understanding of factors associated with the immune response in diverse populations would advance future preventive and curative approaches.

Objective

The objective of this study was to investigate the factors potentially responsible for adverse events following COVID-19 immunization. The study population included adults from rural areas, transitional countries, and those with medically understudied conditions, across a broad age range.

Methods

The study evolved from peer support networks developed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants were recruited digitally through online neighborhood and health communities. Some of the participants volunteered as study investigators assisting with offline recruitment and safety monitoring. Individuals who consented to participate were asked to share their vaccination experiences either using constantly evolving web-based surveys or via one-on-one communication. Inferential statistical analysis to estimate differences between study groups was performed using parametric and nonparametric tests.

Results

Of 1430 participants who shared their vaccination experiences, 648 had outcome measures at their 1.5-year follow-up. Significant differences were found between age groups, types of vaccine adverse events (VAEs), incidences of breakthrough infections, and health conditions linked to the microbiome. Pairwise comparisons showed that VAEs interfering with daily activities were significantly higher in both younger (18-59 years) and older age groups (80-100 years, P<.001) than in the 60-79–year age group. Short-term VAEs were associated with lower incidence of breakthrough COVID-19 infections relative to those who reported either minimal or long-term adverse events (P<.001). A genetic origin was suggested for some adverse reactions.

Conclusions

The findings of this study demonstrate that vaccine adverse reactions in older individuals are being overlooked, and the incidence of VAEs impairing immunity may be higher than previously perceived. Better preventive measures are needed for all those at risk for life-threatening and long-term adverse events due to vaccination. Supportive community-based studies focusing on these populations could add important data to the current body of knowledge. Further and more comprehensive studies should follow.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04832932; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04832932

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)

RR2-10.1101/2021.06.28.21256779

Neurological manifestations associated with COVID-19 vaccine

INTRODUCTION

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has spread rapidly, giving rise to a pandemic, causing significant morbidity and mortality. In this context, many vaccines have emerged to try to deal with this disease.

OBJECTIVE

To review the reported cases of neurological manifestations after the application of COVID-19 vaccines, describing clinical, analytical and neuroimaging findings and health outcomes.

METHODS

We carried out a review through bibliographic searches in PubMed.

RESULTS

We found 86 articles, including 13 809 patients with a wide spectrum of neurological manifestations temporally associated with COVID-19 vaccination. Most occurred in women (63.89%), with a median age of 50 years. The most frequently reported adverse events were Bell's palsy 4936/13 809 (35.7%), headache (4067/13 809), cerebrovascular events 2412/13 809 (17.47%), Guillain-Barré syndrome 868/13 809 (6.28%), central nervous system demyelination 258/13 809 (1.86%) and functional neurological disorder 398/13 809 (2.88%). Most of the published cases occurred in temporal association with the Pfizer vaccine (BNT162b2), followed by the AstraZeneca vaccine (ChAdOX1-S).

CONCLUSIONS

It is not possible to establish a causal relationship between these adverse events and COVID-19 vaccines with the currently existing data, nor to calculate the frequency of appearance of these disorders. However, it is necessary for health professionals to be familiar with these events, facilitating their early diagnosis and treatment. Large controlled epidemiological studies are necessary to establish a possible causal relationship between vaccination against COVID-19 and neurological adverse events.

Inflammatory myopathy following coronavirus disease 2019 vaccination: A systematic review

Introduction

Reports of unexpected side effects have accompanied the vaccination of larger proportions of the population against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), including a few cases of inflammatory myopathy (IM). In a bid to improve understanding of the clinical course of vaccine complications, a systematic review of reported cases of IM following COVID-19 vaccination has been conducted.

Methods

The PRISMA guideline 2020 was followed. Two independent investigators systematically searched PubMed and Embase to identify relevant studies published up to July 2022, using the following keywords: COVID-19 Vaccine, inflammatory myositis. The Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tools were used for the risk of bias.

Results

A total of 24 articles presenting clinical features of 37 patients with IM following COVID-19 vaccine were identified. Female patients composed 59.5% of cases and 82.4% had been vaccinated with BNT162b2 or ChAdOx1. Onset of symptoms occurred within 2 weeks of the first or second vaccine dose in 29 (85.3%) patients and included muscular weakness in 54.1% and skin rash in 71.4% of patients. Myositis specific autoantibodies (MSAs) and myositis associated autoantibodies (MAAs) were reported in 28 patients. Specific clinical subtypes of myositis, reported in 27 patients, included 22 (81.5%) cases of dermatomyositis (DM) and 3 (11.1%) cases of immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy (IMNM). Following treatment, 32 (86.5%) patients showed improvement on follow-up.

Conclusion

COVID-19 vaccine may induce various clinical myositis subtypes and related antibodies. Muscular weakness was the most common presenting symptom. Clinicians should be aware of this unexpected adverse event following COVID-19 vaccination and arrange for appropriate management.

Systematic review registration

INPLASY https://inplasy.com/inplasy-2022-9-0084/ [INPLASY202290084].

Corona Virus Disease-19 Vaccine-associated Autoimmune Disorders

Coronavirus disease is a highly infectious viral disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome virus (SARS nCoV2). It was declared a pandemic within a few months of identification of its index case. The spread of COVID-19 across the globe was rampant, overwhelming healthcare systems and crippling global economies. Since the world was caught off guard by the pandemic, vaccine programs had to be rolled out in emergency to curb its spread. Ten vaccines have been granted Emergency Use Authorization thus far. Much of the side effects we know today are post-marketing adverse effects. Most of them are mild like myalgia and injection-site reactions, but a few of them such as post-vaccination autoimmune diseases have alerted the medical community. These include vaccine-induced thrombotic thrombocytopenia, autoimmune hepatitis, myocarditis, and Graves' disease. We attempt to summarize the diverse autoimmune phenomena reported after COVID-19 vaccination, with an aim to sensitize the medical community so that they can be better equipped in management when confronted with these diseases. This review by no means refutes the potential benefit of COVID-19 vaccination which has consolidated its place in preventing infections and substantially reducing severity and mortality.

Antibody-mediated autoimmune encephalitis evaluated by 18F-DPA714 PET/MRI

SARS-CoV-2 vaccine has considered being the most effective method to prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection. The safety and effectiveness of the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine has been confirmed. However, in very rare cases, autoimmune neurological diseases may occur. In this article, we report three rare cases of autoimmune encephalitis with definite auto-antibody after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. They all have good prognosis after treatment. In addition, we first use 18F-DPA-714 PET/MRI to evaluate microglia activation in our patients. We found that 18F-DPA-714 PET/MRI may be a powerful tool for quantitative analysis of neuroinflammation in patients of autoimmune encephalitis. Finally, although rare complications may happen after vaccination, we still consider the benefits of vaccination far outweigh the risks. People without contraindications should be vaccinated without delay to prevent infection in current outbreak situation.

[NEUROLOGICAL MANIFESTATIONS ASSOCIATED WITH COVID-19 VACCINE]

INTRODUCTION

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has spread rapidly, giving rise to a pandemic, causing significant morbidity and mortality. In this context, many vaccines have emerged to try to deal with this disease.

OBJECTIVE

To review the reported cases of neurological manifestations after the application of COVID-19 vaccines, describing clinical, analytical and neuroimaging findings and health outcomes.

METHODS

We carried out a review through bibliographic searches in PubMed.

RESULTS

We found 86 articles, including 13,809 patients with a wide spectrum of neurological manifestations temporally associated with COVID-19 vaccination. Most occurred in women (63.89%), with a median age of 50 years. The most frequently reported adverse events were Bell's palsy 4936/13809 (35.7%), headache (4067/13809), cerebrovascular events 2412/13809 (17.47%), Guillain-Barré syndrome 868/13809 (6.28%), central nervous system demyelination 258/13809 (1.86%) and functional neurological disorder 398/13809 (2.88%). Most of the published cases occurred in temporal association with the Pfizer vaccine (BNT162b2), followed by the AstraZeneca vaccine (ChAdOX1 nCoV-19).

CONCLUSIONS

It is not possible to establish a causal relationship between these adverse events and COVID-19 vaccines with the currently existing data, nor to calculate the frequency of appearance of these disorders. However, it is necessary for health professionals to be familiar with these events, facilitating their early diagnosis and treatment. Large controlled epidemiological studies are necessary to establish a possible causal relationship between vaccination against COVID-19 and neurological adverse events.

Type 1 diabetes mellitus following SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccination

PURPOSE

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccines have been reported to trigger immune side effects. Type 1 diabetes as a manifestation of autoimmune/inflammatory syndrome induced by adjuvants has been reported in a limited number of cases after vaccinations. A few type 1 diabetes cases after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination have been reported. This study aims to report type 1 diabetes cases associated with the mRNA-based SARS-CoV-2 vaccination.

METHODS

We report four cases of type 1 diabetes mellitus after mRNA-based SARS-CoV-2 vaccine, BNT162b2 (Pfizer-BioNTech). In the medical history, one subject had autoimmune thyroid disease. All patients had autoantibodies against glutamate decarboxylase.

RESULTS

In the presented case series, type 1 diabetes developed a few weeks after BNT162b2 vaccination. After developing type 1 diabetes, the insulin dose requirements of all patients decreased rapidly, and the need for insulin therapy in three patients disappeared during follow-up. Acute deterioration of glucose regulation in a patient followed by BNT162b2 administration may be due to vaccine-induced autoimmune diabetes.

CONCLUSION

Vaccination with BNT162b2 may trigger type 1 diabetes.

Relapses of idiopathic inflammatory myopathies after vaccination against COVID-19: a real-life multicenter Italian study

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccination plays a crucial role as pivotal strategy to curb the coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic. The present study described the clinical status of patients affected by idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM) after COVID-19 vaccination to assess the number of relapses. We included all patients affected by IIM and followed by Myositis Clinic, Rheumatology and Respiratory Diseases Units, Siena University Hospital, Bari University Hospital, Policlinico Umberto I, Sapienza University, Rome, and Policlinico Paolo Giaccone, Palermo. They underwent a telephone survey. A total of 119 IIM patients (median, IQR 58 (47-66) years; 32males; 50 dermatomyositis, 39 polymyositis and 30 anti-synthetase syndrome) were consecutively enrolled. Except four patients who refused the vaccination, 94 (81.7%) received Comirnaty, 16 (13.9%) Spikevax, 5 (4.4%) Vaxzevria. Seven (6.1%) patients had flare after vaccination. One of them had life-threatening systemic involvement and died two months after second dose of COVID-19 vaccination. From logistic regression analysis, Chi²-log ratio = 0.045,the variable that most influences the development of flare was the number of organs involved (p = 0.047). Sixty-eight patients received the third dose of COVID-19 vaccination: 51(75%) Comirnaty and 17 (25%) Moderna. No patients had flares after third dose. Our study represents the largest cohort of IIM patients in which the incidence of recurrence after anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccine was assessed. In line with real-life data from other diseases, we found a clinical non-statistically significant risk of relapse in our patients, which occurred seldom, usually mild and in patients with a more severe and aggressive course of disease.

Is Myasthenia Gravis a Real Complication of the COVID-19 Vaccine? A Case Report-Based Systematic Review

Background

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a neuromuscular, autoimmune disease that causes weakness by impairing neuromuscular transmission. According to reports, vaccines can lead to autoimmunity in different ways, and COVID-19 vaccines are suggested to trigger MG. We conducted this systematic review to assess MG patients after the COVID-19 vaccination.

Methods

We collected 231 studies from four databases from inception to 26 March 2022.

Results

4 case studies were selected from 231 research studies, and data were extracted based on inclusion criteria. In all cases, MG was reported following COVID-19 vaccination. Symptoms such as muscle weakness, numbness, and ptosis were common. The MG was confirmed through RNST, MRC, NCS, and AchR-binding antibody titer tests.

Conclusion

Although all cases of MG were diagnosed following appropriate tests, the sample size was small; therefore, further investigation is required to demonstrate the possible association between MG and COVID-19 vaccination.

A Case Series and Literature Review of the Association of COVID-19 Vaccination With Autoimmune Diseases: Causality or Chance?

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has been a challenging time for the whole world. Ever since the start of the pandemic, vaccine development has been underway and now there are several approved COVID-19 vaccines bringing hope for the end of the pandemic. However, there have been been a few individuals who have been affected in some other ways by the COVID-19 vaccinations. Here in this case series, we present 16 cases of autoimmune diseases with a strong temporal relation with the COVID-19 vaccine. We would like to emphasize that COVID-19 vaccines are essential to alter the course of the pandemic and save lives and the temporal relation is not by any means proof of causation. However, we must be vigilant for the occurrence of these conditions.

Anti-MDA5 dermatomyositis after COVID-19 vaccination: a case-based review

Anti-MDA5 (Melanoma differentiation-associated protein 5) myositis is a rare subtype of dermatomyositis (DM) characterized by distinct ulcerative, erythematous cutaneous lesions and a high risk of rapidly progressive interstitial lung disease (RP-ILD). It has been shown that SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) replicates rapidly in lung and skin epithelial cells, which is sensed by the cytosolic RNA-sensor MDA5. MDA5 then triggers type 1 interferon (IFN) production, and thus downstream inflammatory mediators (EMBO J 40(15):e107826, 2021); (J Virol, 2021, https://doi.org/10.1128/JVI.00862-21 ); (Cell Rep 34(2):108628, 2021); (Sci Rep 11(1):13638, 2021); (Trends Microbiol 27(1):75-85, 2019). It has also been shown that MDA5 is triggered by the mRNA COVID-19 vaccine with resultant activated dendritic cells (Nat Rev Immunol 21(4):195-197, 2021). Our literature review identified one reported case of MDA5-DM from the COVID-19 vaccine (Chest J, 2021, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chest.2021.07.646 ). We present six additional cases of MDA5-DM that developed shortly after the administration of different kinds of COVID-19 vaccines. A review of other similar cases of myositis developing from the COVID-19 vaccine was also done. We aim to explore and discuss the evidence around recent speculations of a possible relation of MDA5-DM to COVID-19 infection and vaccine. The importance of vaccination during a worldwide pandemic should be maintained and our findings are not intended to discourage individuals from receiving the COVID-19 vaccine.

Safety of COVID-19 Vaccines: Spotlight on Neurological Complications

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to unprecedented demand on the global healthcare system. Remarkably, at the end of 2021, COVID-19 vaccines received approvals for human use in several countries worldwide. Since then, a solid base for response in the fight against the virus has been placed. COVID-19 vaccines have been shown to be safe and effective drugs. Nevertheless, all kinds of vaccines may be associated with the possible appearance of neurological complications, and COVID-19 vaccines are not free from neurological side effects. Neurological complications of COVID-19 vaccination are usually mild, short-duration, and self-limiting. However, severe and unexpected post-vaccination complications are rare but possible events. They include the Guillain-Barré syndrome, facial palsy, other neuropathies, encephalitis, meningitis, myelitis, autoimmune disorders, and cerebrovascular events. The fear of severe or fatal neurological complications fed the “vaccine hesitancy” phenomenon, posing a vital communication challenge between the scientific community and public opinion. This review aims to collect and discuss the frequency, management, and outcome of reported neurological complications of COVID-19 vaccines after eighteen months of the World Health Organization’s approval of COVID-19 vaccination, providing an overview of safety and concerns related to the most potent weapon against the SARS-CoV-2.

New-onset refractory status epilepticus due to autoimmune encephalitis after vaccination against SARS-CoV-2: First case report

Background:

Vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 has been conducted frequently to limit the pandemic but may rarely be associated with postvaccinal autoimmune reactions or disorders.

Case presentation

We present a 35-year-old woman who developed fever, skin rash, and headache 2 days after the second SARS-CoV-2 vaccination with BNT162b2 (Pfizer/Biontech). Eight days later, she developed behavioral changes and severe recurrent seizures that led to sedation and intubation. Cerebral magnetic resonance imaging showed swelling in the (para-) hippocampal region predominantly on the left hemisphere and bilateral subcortical subinsular FLAIR hyperintensities. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis revealed a lymphocytic pleocytosis of 7 cells/μl and normal protein and immunoglobulin parameters. Common causes of encephalitis or encephalopathy such as viral infections, autoimmune encephalitis with well-characterized autoantibodies, paraneoplastic diseases, and intoxications were ruled out. We made a diagnosis of new-onset refractory status epilepticus (NORSE) due to seronegative autoimmune encephalitis. The neurological deficits improved after combined antiepileptic therapy and immunomodulatory treatment including high-dose methylprednisolone and plasma exchange.

Conclusions

Although a causal relationship cannot be established, the onset of symptoms shortly after receiving the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine suggests a potential association between the vaccination and NORSE due to antibody-negative autoimmune encephalitis. After ruling out other etiologies, early immunomodulatory treatment may be considered in such cases.

BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 vaccine three-dose safety and risk of COVID-19 in patients with myasthenia gravis during the alpha, delta, and omicron waves

COVID-19 affects the respiratory parenchyma and may potentially contribute to the tendency of myasthenia gravis (MG) patients to develop respiratory failure. It is, therefore, important to study the safety of vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 and to assess the risk of COVID-19 in MG patients. The safety of the three-dose BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine and outcomes of COVID-19 during the alpha, delta, and omicron waves were studied in MG patients as well as the rate of exacerbations and safety for a period of up to 6 weeks from each vaccine dose and patient morbidity and mortality during COVID-19 compared to the general population. 430 vaccine doses were administered across 150 patients. Thirteen patients (8.7%) complained of exacerbation within 6 weeks of each vaccine dose. Both MG onset rate and exacerbation rate were similar to previous years. MG exacerbation rate among fifteen patients who had COVID-19 was significantly higher (40%) compared to the rate following vaccination. During the alpha and delta waves, COVID-19 mortality and severe disease were significantly higher (26.7%) compared to the general population (0.96%). All of them were unvaccinated and had generalized MG. During the omicron wave, all the MG patients who contracted COVID-19 were vaccinated and had mild disease. We concluded that COVID-19 is hazardous for generalized MG patients, while the vaccination did not raise the risk for either exacerbation or new onset of MG and was associated with a reduced risk for severe COVID-19. Hence, it is recommended for generalized MG patients to get vaccinated.