Winged scapula caused by Parsonage-Turner syndrome after BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 vaccination
  • Kosuke Ishizuka
    Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Kawasaki, Japan
  • Yoshiyuki Ohira
    Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Kawasaki, Japan

Keywords

COVID-19 vaccination, Parsonage-Turner syndrome, winged scapula

Abstract

A 45-year-old Japanese woman presented with difficulty moving her left shoulder. Ten months previously, the day after she had received her second dose of the BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 vaccine, a severe stabbing pain occurred in her entire left upper extremity. The pain resolved within 2 weeks, although she developed difficulty moving her left shoulder. A left winged scapula was observed. Electromyography showed left upper brachial plexopathy with acute axonal involvement and abundant acute denervation potentials, consistent with Parsonage-Turner syndrome (PTS). PTS should be considered in patients with post-neuralgic motor paralysis of the unilateral upper extremity, which can occur after COVID-19 vaccination.

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    Published: 2023-02-28
    Issue: 2023: Vol 10 No 2 (view)

    How to cite:
    1.
    Ishizuka K, Ohira Y. Winged scapula caused by Parsonage-Turner syndrome after BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 vaccination. EJCRIM 2023;10 doi:10.12890/2023_003779.