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COVID-19 mRNA vaccine-related interstitial lung disease: Two case reports and literature review

Clara So1, Shinyu Izumi1, Akane Ishida1

  • 1Department of Respiratory Medicine National Center for Global Health and Medicine Shinjuku City Japan.

Respirology Case Reports
|March 31, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Rare cases of interstitial lung disease (ILD) have been linked to the Pfizer-BioNTech mRNA COVID-19 vaccine. Prompt corticosteroid treatment was effective for two patients diagnosed with vaccine-related pneumonitis.

Area of Science:

  • Pulmonology
  • Vaccinology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • The Pfizer-BioNTech mRNA vaccine (BNT162b2) is widely used for COVID-19 prevention.
  • While generally safe, rare adverse events following vaccination require investigation.
  • Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a potential, albeit uncommon, complication.

Observation:

  • Two male patients, aged 67 and 70, with pre-existing ILD, developed fever and respiratory symptoms post-BNT162b2 vaccination.
  • Clinical presentation suggested drug-related pneumonitis.
  • One patient was diagnosed with lymphocytic alveolitis via bronchoalveolar lavage and lung cryobiopsy.

Findings:

  • COVID-19 mRNA vaccine administration was temporally associated with the onset of ILD symptoms in both cases.
  • Diagnosis of vaccine-related pneumonitis was confirmed.
  • Successful treatment with corticosteroids was achieved for both patients.

Implications:

  • This report highlights a rare adverse reaction to mRNA COVID-19 vaccines, specifically ILD.
  • Early diagnosis and corticosteroid therapy appear effective in managing vaccine-induced pneumonitis.
  • Continued surveillance for rare vaccine side effects is crucial for long-term vaccine safety assessment.
Keywords:
COVID‐19interstitial lung diseasemRNA vaccinesteroidvaccine‐induced pneumonitis

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