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Case Reports
. 2021 Jul:67:102540.
doi: 10.1016/j.amsu.2021.102540. Epub 2021 Jul 3.

Post-COVID-19 vaccine Guillain-Barré syndrome; first reported case from Qatar

Almurtada Razok  1 , Abdullah Shams  1 , Ahmed Almeer  1 , Muhammad Zahid  1
Affiliations
Case Reports

Post-COVID-19 vaccine Guillain-Barré syndrome; first reported case from Qatar

Almurtada Razok et al. Ann Med Surg (Lond). 2021 Jul.

Abstract

Introduction: Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is an immune-mediated peripheral neuropathy that was reported following meningococcus, polio, influenza and rabies vaccines. However, an association with the COVID-19 vaccine is yet to be established.

Presentation of case: We present the case of an elderly gentleman with no history of SARS-CoV-2 infection or any recent viral or bacterial illnesses who presented with GBS 20 days after the second dose of COVID-19 vaccination. The diagnosis was established based on physical examination, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the spine, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis and electromyography (EMG).

Discussion: Due to the occurrence of GBS after certain types of infections, molecular mimicry has become widely acceptable as the underlying pathophysiology. The reported cases of GBS following vaccination further supported this theory, however proving a causal relationship between vaccines and GBS on the molecular level remains a challenge.

Conclusions: To the best of our knowledge this is the first reported case in the state of Qatar. It is important to mention that more research is needed to establish an association between COVID-19 vaccine and GBS. In our opinion, the benefits of COIVID-19 vaccine largely outweigh its risks.

Keywords: COVID-19 vaccine; Guillain-Barré syndrome; Molecular mimicry; Qatar.

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Conflict of interest statement

None to be declared.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Magnetic resonance image of the spine with intravenous gadolinium showing bilateral contrast enhancement of the nerve roots in the lumbar region and the upper part of the cauda equina (as indicated by the arrows).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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