Epidemiology, clinical ramifications, and cellular pathogenesis of COVID-19 mRNA-vaccination-induced adverse cardiovascular outcomes: A state-of-the-heart review.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has overwhelming healthcare systems globally. To date, a myriad of therapeutic regimens has been employed in an attempt to curb the ramifications of a severe COVID-19 infection. Amidst the ongoing pandemic, the advent and efficacious uptake of COVID-19 vaccination has significantly reduced disease-related hospitalizations and mortality. Nevertheless, many side-effects are being reported after COVID-19 vaccinations and myocarditis is the most commonly reported sequelae post vaccination. Majority of these diseases are associated with COVID-19 mRNA vaccines. Various studies have established a temporal relationship between these complications, yet the causality and the underlying pathogenesis remain hypothetical. In this review, we aim to critically appraise the available literature regarding the cardiovascular side effects of the various mRNA vaccines and the associated pathophysiology.

A rare case of delayed anaplasma phagocytophilum-induced pancytopenia: A diagnostic conundrum.

INTRODUCTION: Human granulocytic anaplasmosis (HGA) is a potentially fatal tick-borne disease caused by the obligate intracellular bacterium Anaplasma phagocytophilum. It is most commonly found in the Northeastern and Midwestern parts of the United States especially during spring and summer months. The clinical picture of anaplasmosis is varied ranging from common symptoms such as fever, headache and myalgia to rarer presentations such as pancytopenia. CASE PRESENTATION: We present a case of a 62 year old male who presented with watery diarrhea, fever, and pancytopenia. Although there is a broad differential for pancytopenia, a thorough history provides clues regarding the diagnosis. In our patient, a recent history of camping in Upstate New York was suggestive of an infectious etiology from a tick borne illness. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: A tick-borne panel guided us to identify the diagnosis of HGA. Although the exact underlying pathogenesis of tick-borne illnesses leading to pancytopenia is still unknown, the pancytopenia is postulated to be due to a multi-nodal mechanism involving immune and non immune platelet destruction, global bone marrow suppression, hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis and myelosuppressive chemokines release. CONCLUSION: We hope that this case report elucidates the importance of obtaining a meticulous history in guiding clinicians towards prompt diagnosis, even in instances where there may be an evolving clinical picture.