A case of myocarditis following ChAdOx1 nCov-19 vaccination

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Immunology
• Vaccinology

Background:

• Myocarditis is myocardial inflammation potentially leading to reduced cardiac function or mortality.
• Myocarditis is a recognized, though uncommon, adverse event associated with COVID-19 mRNA vaccines.
• Viral vector vaccines represent an alternative COVID-19 vaccination strategy.

Observation:

• A 50-year-old male developed symptoms including shortness of breath, malaise, and fever five days post-second dose of the ChAdOx1 vaccine.
• Elevated serum C-reactive protein (CRP) and troponin levels were noted.
• Cardiac MRI confirmed late gadolinium enhancement in the left ventricle, indicative of myocarditis.

Findings:

• This is the first reported case of myocarditis following vaccination with the ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 viral vector vaccine.
• Myocarditis has been rarely reported with other viral vector vaccines like Ad26COVS1.
• The clinical presentation involved typical symptoms and diagnostic findings consistent with myocarditis.

Implications:

• This case expands the understanding of potential adverse events associated with COVID-19 vaccines.
• Healthcare providers should maintain awareness of myocarditis as a possible complication of ChAdOx1 vaccination.
• Further surveillance may be warranted to fully characterize the incidence and risk profile of myocarditis post-ChAdOx1 vaccination.