Shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) following mRNA COVID-19 vaccination: Report of 2 cases of subacromial-subdeltoid bursitis

Abstract

Shoulder pain has been reported as a common side-effect after COVID-19 vaccination particularly after administration of mRNA vaccines. Although it is usually mild and self-limiting, occasionally it can become more extensive causing severe pain and marked limited range of motion. Shoulder injury related to vaccine administration has been reported following injection of other routine vaccines. In this case report, we describe 2 cases of shoulder injury related to vaccine administration due to subacromial-subdeltoid bursitis after administration of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines.

Keywords: COVID-19; SIRVA; Subacromial-subdeltoid bursitis; Vaccine.

Fig. 1

Baseline and follow up MRI of the vaccinated shoulder: Axial PD (A) and Coronal STIR (B) images of the left shoulder after receiving the vaccine demonstrate mild to moderate amount of effusion in subacromial-subdeltoid bursa suggesting bursitis (yellow arrows). Note the linear hyperintensity traversing the deltoid muscle and contacting the bursa in keeping with the trajectory of the needle (red arrows). Follow up Axial PD (C) and Coronal STIR (D) images of the same shoulder approximately 2 months later demonstrate near complete resolution of bursitis.

Fig. 2

Grayscale ultrasound image of the left shoulder: red arrows demonstrate effusion within the subacromial-subdeltoid bursa suggesting bursitis.