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Empyema with an extensive retroperitoneal abscess after the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, a case report
Seyed Amir Miratashi Yazdi1, Nasim Eshraghi2, Samira Mirzaei3
1Department of Surgery, Sina Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Introduction:
The most common side effects were mild pain at the injection site and fever after the COVID-19 vaccination. A retroperitoneal abscess is a rare disorder with a deceptive onset and difficult diagnosis. It has various reasons and is related to a high mortality rate.
Case Presentation:
A 29-year-old man with a recent history of first-dose Covid-19 vaccination, was referred for dyspnea, chest, and abdominal pain. Chest imaging revealed a lung abscess evacuated to pleural space. Left posterolateral thoracotomy surgery was done. Post-operation abdominopelvic imaging revealed increased fat stranding and fluid collection, suggesting retroperitoneal infection and abscess formation and the patient underwent drainage.
Clinical Discussion:
Common side effects after COVID-19 vaccination were mild and expectable without hospitalization. But in our case, a rare complicated side effect was seen.
Conclusion:
Uncommon side effects should be observed to recognize whether they are related to the vaccine or not.
Insights
A rare retroperitoneal abscess developed in a patient after COVID-19 vaccination. This case highlights the importance of monitoring uncommon vaccine side effects.
Area of Science:
- Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Vaccinology
Background:
- COVID-19 vaccination is associated with common, mild side effects like injection site pain and fever.
- Retroperitoneal abscess is a rare but serious condition with high mortality, often presenting with subtle symptoms.
Observation:
- A 29-year-old male presented with dyspnea, chest, and abdominal pain post-first COVID-19 vaccine dose.
- Initial findings included a lung abscess that had ruptured into the pleural space, requiring thoracotomy.
- Subsequent imaging revealed a retroperitoneal abscess, necessitating surgical drainage.
Findings:
- This case presents a rare instance of a retroperitoneal abscess potentially linked to COVID-19 vaccination.
- The patient experienced severe symptoms beyond typical vaccine side effects, leading to complex surgical interventions.
Implications:
- Healthcare providers should be vigilant for rare and severe adverse events following vaccination.
- Further surveillance is crucial to determine potential associations between COVID-19 vaccines and uncommon complications like retroperitoneal abscess.
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