A Rare Case of Longitudinally Extensive Transverse Myelitis Following Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccination with a Favourable Outcome

  • Ojbindra KC Department of Hospital Medicine, Faith Regional Health Services, Norfolk, Nebraska, USA
  • Punya Hari Dahal Department of Hospital Medicine, Faith Regional Health Services, Norfolk, Nebraska, USA
  • Manisha Koirala Department of Hospital Medicine, Faith Regional Health Services, Norfolk, Nebraska, USA
  • Sumeet Kumar Yadav Department of Hospital Medicine, Mayo Clinic Health System, Mankato, Minnesota, USA
DOI: https://doi.org/10.12890/2022_003553

Keywords

COVID-19, transverse myelitis, mRNA COVID-19 vaccines, autoimmune disease

Abstract

Introduction: mRNA COVID-19 vaccines are very safe, but rare adverse events such as transverse myelitis have been reported after COVID-19 vaccination.

Case Description: We report the case of 50-year-old man who presented with progressive lower extremity weakness, back pain and urinary retention after his second dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. MRI of the spine revealed longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis (LETM). He recovered completely after treatment with intravenous methylprednisone and physical therapy. 

Discussion: This case highlights the rare association between LETM and COVID-19 vaccines and encourages clinicians to maintain a high index of suspicion for prompt diagnosis and treatment.

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    • Published: 2022-09-15

    Issue: 2022: Vol 9 No 9 (view)

    Section: Articles

    How to cite:
    1.
    KC O, Dahal PH, Koirala M, Yadav SK. A Rare Case of Longitudinally Extensive Transverse Myelitis Following Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccination with a Favourable Outcome. EJCRIM 2022;9 doi:10.12890/2022_003553.