Postural tachycardia syndrome following human papillomavirus vaccination

Postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS) is a heterogeneous disorder of the autonomic nervous system that may have an autoimmune etiology.

Six patients who developed new onset POTS 6 days to 2 months following human papillomavirus vaccination are reported.

Three patients also had neurocardiogenic syncope, and three patients were diagnosed with possible small fiber neuropathy. Symptoms in all patients improved over 3 years with pharmacotherapy and non-pharmacological measures but residual symptoms persisted. Molecular mimicry with formation of cross-reacting autoantibodies to the potential targets of the autonomic ganglia, neurons, cardiac proteins or vascular receptors is considered as a possible pathogenesis of new onset POTS after immunization.

Correct diagnosis of POTS and awareness that POTS may occur after vaccination in young women is essential for prompt and effective management of this condition.