Brain Behav Immun. 2021 Apr 12:S0889-1591(21)00163-X. doi: 10.1016/j.bbi.2021.04.006. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
Recent reports have highlighted rare, and sometimes fatal, cases of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) and thrombocytopenia following the Vaxzevria vaccine. An underlying immunological mechanism similar to that of spontaneous heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is suspected, with the identification of antibodies to platelet factor-4 (PF4), but without previous heparin exposure. This unusual mechanism has significant implications for the management approach used, which differs from usual treatment of CVST. We describe the cases of two young males, who developed severe thrombocytopenia and fatal CVST following the first dose of Vaxzevria. Both presented with a headache,with subsequent rapid neurological deterioration. One patient underwent PF4 antibody testing, which was positive. Arapid vaccinationprogramme is essential in helping to control the COVID-19 pandemic. Hence, it is vital that such COVID-19 vaccine-associated events, which at this stage appear to be very rare, are viewed through this lens.However, some cases have proved fatal. Itis critical that clinicians arealerted to emergence of such eventstofacilitate appropriate management.Patients presenting with CVST features and thrombocytopenia post-vaccination should undergoPF4 antibody testing and be managed in a similar fashion to HIT,in particular avoiding heparin and platelet transfusions.
PMID:33857630 | DOI:10.1016/j.bbi.2021.04.006