This article was originally published here
BrJ Clin Pharmacol. 2022 May 27 doi: 10.1111/bcp.15421. Online for print.
ABSTRACT
While the benefit-risk profile for mRNA COVID-19 vaccines is recognized as extremely favorable, appendicitis is currently considered an adverse reaction of particular concern. We describe the case of a 58-year-old woman who showed signs and symptoms of appendicitis approximately 48 hours after her first injection of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. Abdominal ultrasound revealed fluid accumulation in the right iliac fossa and cecal wall thickening. After the surgical visit, a contrast CT scan showed a swollen appendix with thickened walls, suggestive of acute appendicitis. The patient tested negative for the upper respiratory tract COVID-19 reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Clinical trials and observational studies suggest a possible link between appendicitis and COVID-19 vaccines. Th-1-driven granulomatous inflammation reported in our case represents a rare nonspecific chronic inflammation of the appendix, especially in the setting of delayed or interval appendectomy. According to the 2018 WHO criteria, the current case of appendicitis was considered consistent with immunization. In view of the current pediatric vaccination campaign, we recommend monitoring the safety profile and potential gastrointestinal side effects associated with mRNA COVID-19 vaccines in order to promptly treat patients with gastrointestinal symptoms and avoid potential complications.
PMID:35633085 | DOI:10.1111/bcp.15421
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