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Acute Pleuropericardial Syndrome Following Messenger Ribonucleic Acid (mRNA) COVID-19 Vaccination: A Case Report
Odunayo Yusuf1, Ajibola Omotosho2, Sarah Moore3
1Internal Medicine, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, GBR.
Cureus
|August 27, 2025
Summary
Pleuropericardial syndrome is a rare complication of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines. This case shows it can affect older adults after booster doses, highlighting the need for vigilance.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Immunology
- Vaccinology
Background:
- Messenger RNA (mRNA) COVID-19 vaccination is associated with rare inflammatory complications.
- Pleuropericardial syndrome, a known adverse event, is typically reported in younger males.
Observation:
- A 68-year-old woman developed flu-like symptoms, palpitations, and dyspnea 3 days post-mRNA COVID-19 booster.
- Imaging revealed significant pericardial and pleural effusions.
- She underwent pericardiocentesis and received anti-inflammatory therapy.
Findings:
- The patient experienced complete symptom resolution with anti-inflammatory treatment.
- No recurrence was observed during a 15-month follow-up.
- The presentation suggests an immune-mediated serosal inflammation triggered by mRNA vaccination.
Implications:
- This case expands the known demographic for pleuropericardial syndrome post-mRNA vaccination to include older women receiving booster doses.
- Prompt diagnosis and differential consideration are crucial, even in atypical presentations.
- Systematic adverse event reporting is vital for vaccine safety monitoring and future strategy development.
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