Coronavirus vaccine and cerebral vasculitis: Potential pathophysiology

ABSTRACT

Background and Purpose: Since the implementation of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccination, we see continued hesitancy across the world regarding the potential emergence of immune and thromboembolic complications with these injections. This has included temporary pauses over concerns for thromboembolic events and cardiac inflammation.We provide discussion of a 57-year-old patient who suffered multiple ischemic strokes, with no prior history of vascular events after receiving her SARSCoV- 2 (messenger ribonucleic acid [mRNA]) vaccination with workup suggesting CNS vasculitis in the setting of multiple positive immune markers and propose the need for further investigation in this area. Methods:Review of case presentation, testing, imaging, and laboratory studies. Results: CT angiography was performed but could not identify any vascular pathology in the large vasculature. Brain MRI/MR angiography demonstrated strokes in multiple vascular territories (similar findings on first and second admission). Conventional angiogram was completed, which also did not demonstrate large vessel abnormalities. Telemetry was unremarkable. Echocardiogram (transthoracic and transesophageal) was performed without cardioembolic source identified. Serum and CSF laboratory studies were completed and suggestive of a CNS immune process and given the overall clinical picture were most consistent with probable small vessel CNS vasculitis. Conclusion: In presenting this patient's background and medical history, which includes autoimmune hepatitis, we propose there may be a subpopulation who could be at higher risk of immune reactions in the setting of these vaccinations and that while generally still safe for the overall population, in these particular subpopulations increased caution may be warranted pending further investigation, particularly if considering the newermRNA vaccinations.