Case Reports of Acute Transverse Myelitis Associated With mRNA Vaccine for COVID-19

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Authors: Hyunjong Eom ; Seung Woo Kim ; Minkyoung Kim ; Ye Eun Kim ; Ji Hyun Kim ; Ha Young Shin ; Hye Lim Lee

MeSH: Aged, 80 and over ; BNT162 Vaccine / adverse effects* ; BNT162 Vaccine / immunology ; COVID-19 / immunology ; Female ; Hand / physiopathology* ; Humans ; Leg / physiopathology* ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Male ; Methylprednisolone / therapeutic use ; Myelitis, Transverse / diagnosis ; Myelitis, Transverse / drug therapy ; Myelitis, Transverse / pathology* ; SARS-CoV-2 / immunology ; Spinal Cord / physiopathology* ; Spine / diagnostic imaging ; Vaccination / adverse effects* ; Young Adult

Keywords: CNS Demyelinating Disease ; COVID-19 Vaccine ; Transverse Myelitis ; mRNA Vaccine

Abstract: Acute transverse myelitis (ATM) has been reported as rare complication of vaccination. Herein, we report 2 cases of ATM after the administration of an mRNA vaccine for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The first one is an 81-year-old man who received the BNT162b2 vaccine. He presented with bilateral hand weakness. Spine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed high signal intensity from the C1 to C3 vertebrae. The second is a 23-year-old woman who received the BNT162b2 vaccine and experienced tingling in her legs. Spine MRI showed a high signal intensity lesion at the conus medullaris. These patients were treated with intravenous methylprednisolone and their symptoms improved slightly. Careful follow-up is needed to identify adverse events after the administration of mRNA vaccines for COVID-19.