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Pyoderma Gangrenosum Induced by BNT162b2 COVID-19 Vaccine in a Healthy Adult
Mazin Barry1, Abdulaziz AlRajhi1, Khaldoon Aljerian2
1Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia.
Abstract:
(1) Background: Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a rare neutrophilic dermatosis of unknown etiology. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines can cause a variety of adverse cutaneous manifestations. PG associated with mRNA vaccines has not previously been described. This case study reports on the first patient to develop PG after receiving BNT162b2. (2) Case Presentation: An otherwise-healthy 27-year-old man developed multiple skin lesions 24 h after receiving the first dose of the messenger RNA-based Pfizer/BioNTech BNT162b2 COVID-19 vaccine. When in hospital, he developed a new painful ulcerative lesion on his right hand. Skin ulcer edge biopsy showed severe epidermal neutrophilic infiltrate with epidermal and dermal edema, underlying superficial dermal necrosis, and characteristic undermining with extensive mixed inflammatory infiltration of the dermis and abscess formation consistent with an ulcer with mixed dermal inflammation compatible with pyoderma gangrenosum. The lesion showed rapid improvement after the initiation of immunosuppressive therapy. (3) Conclusions: PG may be a rare adverse event related to the BNT162b2 vaccine, which could be more frequently encountered with the wide-scale use of mRNA vaccines. The continuous monitoring and surveillance of skin manifestations post-vaccination is essential.
Insights
Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a rare skin condition. This case study details the first reported instance of PG developing after the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine (BNT162b2).
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Vaccinology
- Immunology
Background:
- Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a rare neutrophilic dermatosis with unknown causes.
- COVID-19 vaccines, including mRNA vaccines like BNT162b2, can cause adverse skin reactions.
- PG associated with mRNA vaccines has not been previously documented.
Observation:
- A 27-year-old man developed skin lesions 24 hours post-Pfizer-BioNTech (BNT162b2) COVID-19 vaccination.
- A painful ulcerative lesion on his hand showed characteristic PG on biopsy.
- The lesion improved with immunosuppressive therapy.
Findings:
- This case study reports the first occurrence of PG following the BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine.
- Histopathological analysis confirmed pyoderma gangrenosum.
Implications:
- PG may be a rare adverse event associated with the BNT162b2 vaccine.
- Increased vigilance for skin manifestations post-mRNA vaccination is crucial.
- Ongoing monitoring is essential for identifying rare vaccine side effects.
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