ACUTE POSTERIOR MULTIFOCAL PLACOID PIGMENT EPITHELIOPATHY AFTER IMMUNIZATION WITH MULTIPLE VACCINES

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Immunology
• Genetics

Background:

• Acute posterior multifocal placoid pigment epitheliopathy (APMPPE) is an inflammatory eye condition.
• The etiology of APMPPE is often idiopathic, but associations with infections and vaccinations are emerging.

Observation:

• A previously healthy 25-year-old woman developed APMPPE with serous retinal detachment after multiple immunizations.
• Ophthalmological examination revealed bilateral placoid subretinal lesions.

Findings:

• Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) typing identified HLA-B*40 and HLA-DB1*15 alleles in the patient.
• Treatment with topical prednisolone acetate resulted in resolution of the serous retinal detachment and return to normal visual acuity.

Implications:

• This case suggests a potential link between specific vaccine antigens and host immune responses, possibly involving T-cell receptors.
• Polio and Tetanus vaccines are added to the list of immunizations potentially triggering APMPPE.
• Increased awareness of APMPPE following immunization may aid in evaluating acute visual disturbances.