Posters
Presentation Type
Poster
Discipline Track
Community/Public Health
Abstract Type
Case Report
Abstract
Background: Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy is an immune-mediated polyneuropathy characterized by peripheral demyelination, resulting in symmetrical sensory loss and distal and proximal muscle weakness. While CIDP has been reported after influenza, tetanus, and other common vaccinations, this is the first reported case of CIDP after COVID-19 vaccination to our knowledge.
Case Presentation: A 34-year-old right-handed male with an unremarkable past medical history presented with bilateral distal paresthesias, proximal and distal muscle weakness, and fine motor difficulties. Symptoms initially manifested with toe numbness, approximately two weeks after receiving the first dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. Paresthesias gradually progressed from lower extremities to upper extremities. Two months after the initial COVID-19 vaccine, symptoms worsen with decreased muscle strength, difficulties with fine motor activities, difficulties climbing stairs, and lifting objects above his head. Neurologic evaluation revealed 4/5 strength in upper and lower extremities, generalized hyporeflexia, decreased vibration, and proprioception. MRI of the brain and spine revealed no abnormalities. Nerve conduction studies were consistent with demyelination and cerebral spinal fluid analysis revealed albuminocytologic dissociation. The patient was diagnosed with CIDP and began steroids after poor response to a four-day treatment course of IVIG 2g/kg which resulted in partial improvement of strength. The patient continues to follow up with long-term prednisone therapy.
Conclusion: Demyelinating polyneuropathies are a rare complication of vaccination. While the benefits outweigh the risks of immunization, we aim to inform of this potential complication.
Academic/Professional Position
Medical Student
Mentor/PI Department
Neurology
Recommended Citation
Duncan, Irma; Renpenning, Alexander S.; and Cruz, Roberto A., "A Case of Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy after Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccination" (2023). Research Symposium. 10.
https://scholarworks.utrgv.edu/somrs/theme1/posters/10
Included in
A Case of Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy after Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccination
Background: Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy is an immune-mediated polyneuropathy characterized by peripheral demyelination, resulting in symmetrical sensory loss and distal and proximal muscle weakness. While CIDP has been reported after influenza, tetanus, and other common vaccinations, this is the first reported case of CIDP after COVID-19 vaccination to our knowledge.
Case Presentation: A 34-year-old right-handed male with an unremarkable past medical history presented with bilateral distal paresthesias, proximal and distal muscle weakness, and fine motor difficulties. Symptoms initially manifested with toe numbness, approximately two weeks after receiving the first dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. Paresthesias gradually progressed from lower extremities to upper extremities. Two months after the initial COVID-19 vaccine, symptoms worsen with decreased muscle strength, difficulties with fine motor activities, difficulties climbing stairs, and lifting objects above his head. Neurologic evaluation revealed 4/5 strength in upper and lower extremities, generalized hyporeflexia, decreased vibration, and proprioception. MRI of the brain and spine revealed no abnormalities. Nerve conduction studies were consistent with demyelination and cerebral spinal fluid analysis revealed albuminocytologic dissociation. The patient was diagnosed with CIDP and began steroids after poor response to a four-day treatment course of IVIG 2g/kg which resulted in partial improvement of strength. The patient continues to follow up with long-term prednisone therapy.
Conclusion: Demyelinating polyneuropathies are a rare complication of vaccination. While the benefits outweigh the risks of immunization, we aim to inform of this potential complication.