An Unusual Side Effect of the COVID-19 Vaccine: A Possible Trigger of Polymyalgia Rheumatica

Area of Science:

• Rheumatology
• Vaccinology
• Immunology

Background:

• Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) presents with characteristic shoulder and pelvic girdle stiffness and pain.
• The BNT162b2 Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine is widely used and generally well-tolerated.
• Post-vaccination adverse events, including rare autoimmune conditions, are a subject of ongoing research.

Observation:

• A 72-year-old woman developed new-onset polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR).
• The onset of PMR symptoms occurred after receiving a booster dose of the BNT162b2 Pfizer vaccine.
• Clinical presentation and findings were typical for polymyalgia rheumatica.

Findings:

• This case suggests a potential association between the BNT162b2 Pfizer vaccine booster and the development of polymyalgia rheumatica.
• The patient's symptoms and diagnostic criteria were consistent with polymyalgia rheumatica.
• No other clear etiology for the patient's symptoms was identified.

Implications:

• Polymyalgia rheumatica should be considered in the differential diagnosis for patients presenting with new-onset myalgia and stiffness after COVID-19 vaccination.
• Further investigation into the immunological mechanisms linking COVID-19 vaccines and polymyalgia rheumatica is warranted.
• This case highlights the importance of monitoring for rare adverse events following vaccination and informing clinical practice.