RESUMEN
Vaccine-induced thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT) is a well-known complication of adenoviral vector COVID-19 vaccines including ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 (AstraZeneca) and Ad26. COV2.S (Janssen, Johnson & Johnson). To date, only a few cases of mRNA COVID-19 vaccine such as mRNA-1273 (Moderna) or BNT162b2 (Pfizer-BioNTech)-induced VITT have been reported. We report a case of VITT with acute cerebral venous thrombosis and hemorrhage after a booster of mRNA-1273 (Moderna) vaccine in a patient previously vaccinated with two doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine. A 42-year-old woman presented with sudden onset of weakness of the right upper limb with focal seizure. She had received two doses of AstraZeneca vaccines and a booster with Moderna vaccine 32 days before presentation. She had also undergone a laparoscopic myomectomy 12 days previously. Laboratory examinations revealed anemia (9.5 g/dl), thrombocytopenia (31 × 103/μl), and markedly elevated d-dimer (>20.0 mg/L;reference value < 0.5 mg/L). The initial brain computed tomography (CT) was normal, but a repeated scan 10 h later revealed hemorrhage at the left cerebrum. Before the results of the blood smear were received, on suspicion of thrombotic microangiopathy with thrombocytopenia and thrombosis, plasmapheresis and pulse steroid therapy were initiated, followed by intravenous immunoglobulin (1 g/kg/day for two consecutive days) due to refractory thrombocytopenia. VITT was confirmed by positive anti-PF4 antibody and both heparin-induced and PF4-induced platelet activation testing. Clinicians should be aware that mRNA-1273 Moderna, an mRNA-based vaccine, may be associated with VITT with catastrophic complications. Additionally, prior exposure to the AstraZeneca vaccine and surgical procedure could also have precipitated or aggravated autoimmune heparin-induced thrombocytopenia/VITT-like presentation.
RESUMEN
The rare and severe adverse effects associated with coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination have been under-appreciated, resulting in many instances of inappropriate management. We describe the case of an elderly woman who developed anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis with pulmonary renal syndrome approximately 3 weeks after the first dose of COVID-19 mRNA vaccination (Moderna). Her nasopharyngeal polymerase chain reaction test for the COVID-19 RNA virus was negative. Gross hematuria, heavy proteinuria, acute renal failure (serum creatinine up to 6.5 mg/dL), and hemoptysis coupled with a marked increase in serum anti-myeloperoxidase-O antibody were observed. Renal biopsy showed severe vasculitis with pauci-immune crescent glomerulonephritis. The pulmonary hemorrhage was resolved and renal function improved following combined plasma exchange and the administration of systemic steroids and anti-CD20 therapy. The early examination of urinalysis and renal function may be crucial for identifying glomerulonephritis and acute renal failure in susceptible patients after COVID-19 vaccination.