MPO-ANCA associated vasculitis with mononeuritis multiplex following influenza vaccination

Although influenza vaccines are generally safe and effective, a variety of autoimmune phenomena have been reported after vaccination over the past years, such as Guillain-Barre syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, pemphigus vulgaris, psoriasis, giant cell arteritis and anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) associated vasculitis (AAV).

We describe the case of a 67-year old man who presented with a myeloperoxidase-ANCA associated vasculitis with renal involvement and mononeuritis multiplex after seasonal influenza vaccination. He was initially treated with intravenous cyclophosphamide and high-dose prednisolone followed by maintenance treatment consisting of azathioprine and prednisolone.

We hypothesize that seasonal influenza vaccination triggered a systemic immune response in a susceptible patient to develop AAV with renal involvement and vasculitic neuropathy. In general, seasonal influenza vaccinations are considered to be safe, however, clinicians should be aware of this rare phenomenon.