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Myocarditis and pericarditis in association with COVID-19 mRNA-vaccination: cases from a regional pharmacovigilance

Ioanna Istampoulouoglou1, Georgios Dimitriou2, Selina Späni3

  • 1Department of Clinical Pharmacology & Toxicology, University Hospital and University of Basel, Switzerland.

Global Cardiology Science & Practice
|November 22, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Adverse events following immunization (AEFI) including myocarditis, pericarditis, and perimyocarditis were reported after COVID-19 mRNA vaccination. Most cases were linked to the second vaccine dose and resolved with hospitalization, suggesting a possible association.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Immunology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Adverse events following immunization (AEFI) are monitored to ensure vaccine safety.
  • Myocarditis, pericarditis, and perimyocarditis are potential cardiac complications.
  • COVID-19 mRNA vaccines have been widely administered globally.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To summarize and analyze suspected cases of pericarditis, myocarditis, and perimyocarditis following COVID-19 mRNA vaccination.
  • To discuss the potential association between these cardiac AEFIs and mRNA vaccination.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of suspected AEFI cases reported to a regional pharmacovigilance center.
  • Inclusion of cases of pericarditis, myocarditis, and perimyocarditis occurring after COVID-19 mRNA vaccination between March and July 2021.
  • Assessment of clinical presentation, comorbidities, diagnostic criteria fulfillment, vaccination timing, latency, hospitalization, and outcomes.

Main Results:

  • Seventeen cases of pericarditis, myocarditis, or perimyocarditis were reported.
  • The majority of affected patients were male, with a median age of 38 years.
  • Acute chest pain was the most common symptom; 53% had pre-existing comorbidities.
  • AEFIs predominantly occurred after the second vaccine dose with a median latency of 3 days.
  • Most patients were hospitalized and recovered or were recovering at discharge.
  • A possible association with mRNA vaccination was considered in 94% of cases.

Conclusions:

  • Suspected cases of pericarditis, myocarditis, and perimyocarditis following COVID-19 mRNA vaccination were reported.
  • The majority of cases showed a possible association with mRNA vaccination and had favorable outcomes.
  • Continued pharmacovigilance is crucial for monitoring vaccine safety and understanding rare adverse events.

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