Pure sensitive chronic inflammatory axonal polyneuropathy following Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine

Background During the worldwide mass vaccination campaign against SARS-CoV-2, multiple side effects have been observed. We described the case of a patient who developed pure sensitive chronic inflammatory axonal polyneuropathy (CIAP) in a close temporal relationship with the administration of the BNT162b2 (Pfizer (R)) vaccine. Case report An 82-year-old woman developed lower limb sensory loss and pricking associated with marked gait imbalance after she had received her second dose of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. At the electroneurographic examination, the motor nerves conduction study was normal. Median, ulnar, and sural nerves sensory compound nerve action potential (CNAP) were bilaterally absent. Somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEPs) were not recordable. Spine MRI demonstrated roots enhancement from C3 to Th2 and diffuse enhancement of cauda equina nerve roots. She was treated with IV methylprednisolone whit benefit. A follow-up visit was made 4 months after the disease onset; a diagnosis of pure sensitive CIAP has been made. Discussion To the best of our knowledge, this is the first description of CIAP occurring in a close temporal relationship with the administration of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine.

Automated summary

This case report describes a patient who developed pure sensitive chronic inflammatory axonal polyneuropathy (CIAP) in close temporal relationship with receiving the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. The patient experienced lower limb sensory loss and pricking, along with gait imbalance. Treatment with IV methylprednisolone showed benefit, and a diagnosis of pure sensitive CIAP was made at a follow-up visit 4 months after disease onset.