Fulminant neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) following COVID-19 vaccination: A need for reconsideration?

Mult Scler Relat Disord. 2022 Oct:66:104035. doi: 10.1016/j.msard.2022.104035. Epub 2022 Jul 5.

Abstract

During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, mass vaccination was a beneficial strategy in many countries. Nevertheless, reports of serious complications such as postvaccination neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) raised concerns about the safety of vaccines. Anamnart and colleagues explained postvaccination NMOSD following different vaccines, including COVID-19. To emphasize the message of this article, in this letter, we present a unique case of postvaccination NMOSD with a fulminant and fatal course, which may show a plausible relationship between COVID-19 vaccination and triggering anti-aquaporin-4 antibody (AQP4-Ab).

Keywords: COVID-19 vaccine; NMOSD; Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder; Postvaccination.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Letter

MeSH terms

  • Aquaporin 4
  • Autoantibodies
  • COVID-19 Vaccines* / adverse effects
  • COVID-19* / prevention & control
  • Humans
  • Neuromyelitis Optica* / complications
  • Vaccination / adverse effects

Substances

  • anti-aquaporin 4 autoantibody
  • Aquaporin 4
  • Autoantibodies
  • COVID-19 Vaccines