Reversible radiculomyelitis after ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccination

BMJ Case Rep. 2022 Feb 2;15(2):e247472. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2021-247472.

Abstract

Adverse events occurring after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination have been reported and are the subject of ongoing research. We present the case of a young woman with fully reversible radiculomyelitis, which happened after the first dose of the ChAdOx1 nCOVID-19 vaccine. A previously healthy woman in her 20s presented with a subacute onset of legs' weakness and sensory disturbances, urinary dysfunction and cramping pain after receiving the first dose of the ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine. A diagnostic workup led to the diagnosis of inflammatory radiculomyelitis. Her clinical status improved, with complete recovery after a few months. The case described a reversible radiculomyelitis associated with the ChAdOx1 nCOVID-19 vaccine. The clinical picture and evolution supported the diagnosis. No other identifiable causes of myelopathy were found. Our patient showed clinically moderate symptoms and signs, showing good recovery. The post-vaccine inflammatory radiculomyelitis is a rare side effect of the anti-COVID-19 vaccination, and it should not discourage the SARS-CoV-2 vaccination programme.

Keywords: COVID-19; infection (neurology); spinal cord.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • COVID-19 Vaccines
  • COVID-19*
  • ChAdOx1 nCoV-19
  • Female
  • Humans
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • Vaccination / adverse effects
  • Viral Vaccines*

Substances

  • COVID-19 Vaccines
  • Viral Vaccines
  • ChAdOx1 nCoV-19