Atypical presentation of macrophagic myofasciitis 10 years post vaccination

Neuromuscul Disord. 2006 Dec;16(12):867-9. doi: 10.1016/j.nmd.2006.07.017. Epub 2006 Sep 26.

Abstract

Macrophagic myofasciitis (MMF) is an uncommon inflammatory disorder of muscle believed to be due to persistence of vaccine-derived aluminium hydroxide at the site of injection. The condition is characterised by diffuse myalgias, arthralgia and fatigue. We describe a patient with histologically confirmed MMF whose presentation was atypical with left chest and upper limb pain beginning more than 10 years post vaccination. Treatment with steroids led to symptomatic improvement. Although rare, clinicians should consider MMF in cases of atypical myalgia.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aluminum Hydroxide / adverse effects
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / therapeutic use
  • Female
  • Histocompatibility Antigens Class II / analysis
  • Histocompatibility Antigens Class II / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Immune System / drug effects
  • Immune System / physiopathology
  • Immune System Diseases / chemically induced*
  • Immune System Diseases / metabolism
  • Immune System Diseases / physiopathology
  • Macrophage Activation / drug effects*
  • Macrophage Activation / physiology
  • Middle Aged
  • Muscle, Skeletal / drug effects*
  • Muscle, Skeletal / pathology
  • Muscle, Skeletal / physiopathology
  • Myositis / chemically induced*
  • Myositis / metabolism
  • Myositis / physiopathology
  • Steroids / therapeutic use
  • Time
  • Time Factors
  • Vaccination / adverse effects*

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Histocompatibility Antigens Class II
  • Steroids
  • Aluminum Hydroxide