Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome following H1N1-influenza vaccination: a case report

Abstract

Background: The outbreak of influenza A (H1N1) pandemic during the year 2009 led to the development of several vaccinations against H1N1 virus. In Finland, 2.6 million citizens were vaccinated during pandemic 2009 - 2010 with adjuvanted influenza vaccine, Pandemrix(®) .

Clinical presentation: In this case report, we describe a patient with non-paraneoplastic Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome following Pandemrix(®) vaccination.

Conclusion: Development of various autoimmune diseases in genetically predisposed subjects following exposure to certain environmental factors, including vaccinations, is a well-known entity. Clinicians should be aware of the possibility of the induction of autoimmune diseases following vaccinations and actively ask the relevant clinical history in a newly diagnosed patient with an autoimmune disorder.