Aseptic meningitis after SARS-CoV-2 Pfizer/BioNTech vaccination

ABSTRACT

Objective

Aseptic meningitis is a rare, but possible severe side effect after SARS-CoV-2 Pfizer/BioNTech vaccination.

Case Presentation

Recently, a first case of aseptic meningitis after the first shot of mRNA-BNT162b2 SARS-CoV-2 (Pfizer/BioNTech) vaccine was reported. We present the first case of a 34-year-old woman without relevant medical history developing aseptic meningitis after her 2^nd Pfizer/BioNTech vaccination. She was admitted with severe headache and fever for 5 days prior to her presentation at the emergency department. An extensive work-up of the clinical problem could narrow the differential diagnosis. Symptoms resolved after methylprednisolone therapy.

Conclusion

This case highlights a rare but important side effect after vaccination that primary physicians and neurologists should be aware of in order to identify and efficiently manage these patients.

KEYWORDS:

• COVID-19
• SARS-CoV-2
• aseptic meningitis
• COVID-19 Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine
• vaccination

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).