Relapse of Ulcerative Colitis with Immune Thrombocytopenia and Pyoderma Gangrenosum Subsequent to Receiving COVID-19 Vaccination

Intern Med. 2024 Mar 1;63(5):665-669. doi: 10.2169/internalmedicine.2969-23. Epub 2024 Jan 2.

Abstract

This case illustrates the complex interactions of the immune responses after vaccination and highlights their potential connections to various autoimmune conditions. A 22-year-old man with quiescent ulcerative colitis (UC) presented with abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, and thrombocytopenia 7 days after receiving the third coronavirus disease 2019 mRNA vaccination. Laboratory data confirmed the diagnosis of immune thrombocytopenia. High-dose intravenous immunoglobulin administration boosted the patient's platelet count. Simultaneously, colonoscopy revealed that his UC had relapsed. Although salazosulfapyridine briefly improved his symptoms, his stool frequency worsened one week later. The patient also developed pyoderma gangrenosum. Subsequent treatment with infliximab notably improved both pyoderma gangrenosum and UC.

Keywords: anti-TNF-α antibody; immune thrombocytopenia; inflammatory bowel disease; pyoderma gangrenosum; ulcerative colitis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • COVID-19 Vaccines* / adverse effects
  • COVID-19* / complications
  • Chronic Disease
  • Colitis, Ulcerative* / complications
  • Colitis, Ulcerative* / diagnosis
  • Colitis, Ulcerative* / drug therapy
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Purpura, Thrombocytopenic, Idiopathic* / drug therapy
  • Purpura, Thrombocytopenic, Idiopathic* / etiology
  • Pyoderma Gangrenosum* / diagnosis
  • Pyoderma Gangrenosum* / drug therapy
  • Pyoderma Gangrenosum* / etiology
  • Recurrence
  • Thrombocytopenia*
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • COVID-19 Vaccines