TRANSVERSE MYELITIS: A RARE BUT SERIOUS COMPLICATION OF COVID-19 VACCINATION

ABSTRACT

CASE The patient is a 66-year-old male presenting with progressive ambulatory dysfunction and lower extremity weakness that began ten days ago. Notably, the patient was admitted to the hospital two months prior with similar complaints. At that time, he was diagnosed with transverse myelitis after MRI showed a spinal cord lesion concerning for demyelination at T3-T4. The patient was treated with IV steroids and discharged. Neurology impression at time of discharge was transverse myelitis possibly related to Covid vaccination two weeks prior to admission. The patient states he was doing fine after initial discharge before recurrence of his progressive weakness and difficulty walking that led to the current admission. He denies fever, chest pain, abdominal pain, and bladder/ bowel incontinence. The patient is a former smoker and denies current alcohol or drug use. Past medical history includes WPW status post ablation, stable thoracic aortic aneurysm, peripheral neuropathy secondary to past alcohol abuse, osteoarthritis, GERD, and anxiety. Family history is remarkable for cancer, coronary artery disease, and diabetes in his father. Medications include metoprolol, tamsulosin, pantoprazole, olanzapine, and venlafaxine. Neurological exam is positive for atrophy and decreased vibratory sensation in bilateral lower extremities. His gait is not assessed due to safety concerns, but the patient notes he has begun using a cane to assist with ambulation. Otherwise, physical exam is unremarkable. Imaging studies include MRI showing T3-T4 hyperintensity, as seen during previous admission two months prior. Labs including ANA, rheumatoid factor, SPEP, CSF studies, and AQP-4 were negative. After an unrevealing workup, the patient experienced symptomatic improvement with IV steroids and was discharged home. IMPACT/DISCUSSION: Our case illustrates a clinical picture of Covid-19 vaccine-related transverse myelitis, a rare but serious complication of the vaccine. The prolonged course of this patient's complications is concerning, although the benefit of receiving the vaccine remains unquestionable. Furthermore, although the timing of symptom onset and vaccination suggests a relation, there are other diagnoses that could explain the presentation and further research is needed regarding vaccine-related side effects. This case emphasizes the importance of maintaining a high index of suspicion for neurological issues of unclear etiology following recent Covid-19 vaccination despite their rare occurrence. CONCLUSION: Teaching points Diagnostic criteria for transverse myelitis includes sensory, motor, or autonomic dysfunction attributable to spinal cord, no evidence of cord compression, bilateral symptoms with clear sensory level, and inflammation defined by CSF analysis, elevated IgG, or MRI enhancement. Neurological complications of the Covid vaccine include general symptoms such as headache, fever, and fatigue, Bell's palsy, encephalomyelitis, myelitis, and cerebral venous sinus thrombosis.