Cerebral Sinus Thrombosis and Immune Thrombocytopenia Post COVID-19 Vaccination: A Case Report and Narrative Review.

• Authors: Azka Ali, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Sciences; Arthur Dilibe, East Carolina University Health; Shilpa Rai, Isra University; Ayoola Awosika, University of Illinois, Chicago,; Adekunle E Omole, Anatomical Sciences, American University of Antigua, College of Medicine, Saint John, ATG.; Maryam Ahmed, Allied Hospital, Maple Heights, USA.; Stella Nwosu, Emory University
• Journal Title: Cureus
• Volume: Volume 15, Number 2
• Publisher: Cureus | 2023-02, Pages e34550-e34550
• Type of Work: Article | Final Publisher PDF
• Publisher DOI: http://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.34550
• Subjects: Health Sciences, Medicine and Surgery
• Keywords: 2019 novel coronavirus; post-covid 19 vaccine complications; thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome (tts); vaccine-induced prothrombotic immune thrombocytopenia (vipit); vitt covid-19

Abstract

Vaccine-induced immune thrombocytopenia and thrombosis (VITT) following the adenoviral vector COVID-19 vaccine is a rare adverse event. Although the risk of VITT following the COVID-19 vaccine appears to be low, early diagnosis and management can be lifesaving. We present a case of VITT in a young female who presented with persistent headaches and fevers followed by anisocoria and right-sided hemiplegia. Initial imaging was unremarkable, and labs showed thrombocytopenia and elevated d-dimers. Repeat imaging revealed thrombosis in the left transverse and superior sagittal sinuses, and she was diagnosed with VITT. She received combined treatment with intravenous immunoglobulins and systemic anticoagulation, resulting in an increased platelet count and resolution of her neurological symptoms.