Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 28, 2025
08:48
Dynamic Monitoring of Seroconversion using a Multianalyte Immunobead Assay for Covid-19
Published on: February 16, 2022
3.0K
Polymyalgia Rheumatica Following COVID-19 Vaccination
Akira Yokote1, Shinsuke Fujioka1, Nobutaka Takahashi1
1Department of Neurology, Fukuoka University School of Medicine, Japan.
Internal Medicine (Tokyo, Japan)
|March 28, 2022
Summary
A polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) case occurred after a COVID-19 mRNA vaccine. The patient had specific human leukocyte antigen (HLA) alleles, suggesting a potential link.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Vaccinology
- Immunogenetics
Background:
- The COVID-19 mRNA vaccine (Comirnaty, Pfizer-BioNTech) has been widely administered.
- Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is an inflammatory condition characterized by muscle pain and stiffness.
- Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) genes play a crucial role in immune responses.
Observation:
- A 71-year-old woman developed fever, arthralgia, malaise, and leg muscle stiffness post-vaccination.
- Elevated inflammatory markers (C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate) and increased Gallium-67 uptake in joints were noted.
- The patient was found to carry the HLA-DRB1*0404/*0803 allele.
Findings:
- The patient's clinical presentation and laboratory results met the diagnostic criteria for polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR).
- Symptoms showed rapid improvement following initiation of steroid treatment.
- This case highlights a potential association between COVID-19 mRNA vaccination and the onset of PMR in a genetically predisposed individual.
Implications:
- This case suggests a possible, though rare, adverse event following COVID-19 mRNA vaccination.
- The presence of specific HLA alleles may indicate a predisposition to developing PMR after vaccination.
- Further research is warranted to explore the immunogenetic mechanisms underlying vaccine-induced PMR.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:14Myocarditis III: Medical Management
26
Myocarditis: Comprehensive Medical ManagementMyocarditis, the heart muscle inflammation, requires a comprehensive medical management strategy that addresses the underlying cause, provides supportive care, manages symptoms, and reduces cardiac workload.Infections and Autoimmune CausesAdminister appropriate antimicrobial therapy when an infectious agent causes myocarditis. For instance, penicillin treats infections caused by Group A Streptococcus. In cases where autoimmune processes are...
26
01:27Myocarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests
36
Myocarditis is an inflammation of the heart muscle. The symptoms vary widely, encompassing asymptomatic presentations to severe, acute manifestations.Clinical PresentationAsymptomatic cases: In some instances, myocarditis may be asymptomatic, with the infection resolving without intervention. These cases often go undetected unless discovered incidentally through diagnostic imaging or tests conducted for other reasons.General Early Symptoms: Early symptoms of myocarditis are non-specific and can...
36
01:21Myocarditis I: Introduction
52
Myocarditis is inflammation of the myocardium, which is the muscular layer of the heart.EtiologyMyocarditis has a diverse etiology, including a wide range of infectious and non-infectious causes:Infectious CausesViral: Common viruses include Coxsackie A and B, adenovirus, parvovirus B19, enteroviruses, and influenza A.Bacterial: Examples include infections caused by Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, and Mycoplasma species.Rickettsial: Infections like Rocky Mountain spotted fever can result in...
52
01:22Rheumatic Heart Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
95
The key clinical manifestations of Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) include several distinct cardiac symptoms.Carditis, a hallmark of acute rheumatic fever, involves inflammation of the heart's endocardium, myocardium, and pericardium. Chronic RHD often results from recurrent episodes of carditis. Its symptoms include the following:Murmurs are caused by valvular damage, especially to the mitral and aortic valves. Mitral stenosis or regurgitation is common, with characteristic heart murmurs...
95
01:22Pericarditis I: Introduction
28
Pericarditis is defined as the inflammation of the pericardium, the thin, sac-like membrane surrounding the heart. This condition can cause significant chest pain and other symptoms, often necessitating medical intervention. The pericardium has two layers: the inner visceral layer and the outer parietal layer, separated by a small amount of fluid that reduces friction during heartbeats.Types of PericarditisPericarditis can be classified into several types based on the duration and nature of the...
28
01:23Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction
63
Rheumatic heart disease or RHD is a chronic condition that results from rheumatic fever, causing permanent damage to the heart valves.Etiology and Risk FactorsIt primarily arises from rheumatic fever, an inflammatory disease that can develop after untreated or inadequately treated group A streptococcal (GAS) pharyngitis. Streptococcus spreads through direct contact with oral or respiratory secretions. While the bacteria are the causative agents, factors like malnutrition, overcrowding, poor...
63