Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 2, 2025
Induction of Paralysis and Visual System Injury in Mice by T Cells Specific for Neuromyelitis Optica Autoantigen Aquaporin-4
Published on: August 21, 2017
Case Reports of Acute Transverse Myelitis Associated With mRNA Vaccine for COVID-19
Hyunjong Eom1, Seung Woo Kim2, Minkyoung Kim1
1Department of Neurology, Korea University Guro Hospital, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
Abstract:
Acute transverse myelitis (ATM) has been reported as rare complication of vaccination. Herein, we report 2 cases of ATM after the administration of an mRNA vaccine for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The first one is an 81-year-old man who received the BNT162b2 vaccine. He presented with bilateral hand weakness. Spine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed high signal intensity from the C1 to C3 vertebrae. The second is a 23-year-old woman who received the BNT162b2 vaccine and experienced tingling in her legs. Spine MRI showed a high signal intensity lesion at the conus medullaris. These patients were treated with intravenous methylprednisolone and their symptoms improved slightly. Careful follow-up is needed to identify adverse events after the administration of mRNA vaccines for COVID-19.
Insights
Two cases of acute transverse myelitis (ATM), a rare neurological complication, were reported following COVID-19 mRNA vaccination. Patients experienced symptoms like weakness and tingling, with MRI confirming spinal cord inflammation. Further monitoring for vaccine adverse events is crucial.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Immunology
- Vaccinology
Background:
- Acute transverse myelitis (ATM) is a rare neurological disorder characterized by inflammation across the spinal cord.
- Vaccination has been anecdotally linked to rare cases of ATM.
- The widespread administration of mRNA vaccines for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) necessitates vigilance for potential adverse events.
Observation:
- This report details two distinct cases of ATM occurring after BNT162b2 (an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine) administration.
- Case 1: An 81-year-old male developed bilateral hand weakness, with spinal MRI revealing cervical cord inflammation (C1-C3).
- Case 2: A 23-year-old female experienced leg tingling, and spinal MRI showed inflammation at the conus medullaris.
Findings:
- Both patients received the BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 vaccine prior to symptom onset.
- Cervical and conus medullaris lesions, indicative of ATM, were confirmed via magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
- Treatment with intravenous methylprednisolone resulted in slight symptom improvement for both individuals.
Implications:
- These cases highlight the importance of continued surveillance for rare neurological adverse events following COVID-19 vaccination.
- Understanding the potential association between mRNA vaccines and ATM is critical for public health and vaccine safety monitoring.
- Long-term follow-up is essential to fully characterize the outcomes and potential sequelae in patients experiencing vaccine-associated ATM.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Myocarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests
01:14Myocarditis III: Medical Management