Post-vaccination COVID Toes (Chilblains) Exacerbated by Rituximab Infusion Suggests Interferon Activation as Mechanism

Mil Med. 2022 Oct 29;187(11-12):e1480-e1482. doi: 10.1093/milmed/usab314.

Abstract

Coronavirus disease (COVID) toes are pernio-like skin lesions associated with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. We observed pernio-like skin findings presenting after a Pfizer BioNTech vaccine, which significantly worsened after an infusion of rituximab. This suggests that the mechanism for COVID toes is interferon activation. Military providers may avoid unnecessary referrals for this self-limiting condition by anticipating this adverse effect.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • BNT162 Vaccine* / adverse effects
  • COVID-19* / prevention & control
  • Chilblains* / pathology
  • Humans
  • Interferons*
  • Rituximab* / adverse effects
  • Toes / pathology
  • Vaccination / adverse effects

Substances

  • Interferons
  • Rituximab
  • BNT162 Vaccine