ChAdOx1 COVID-19 vaccine-induced thrombocytopenia syndrome

COVID-19 vaccine remains critical to control the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS CoV 2), early recognition and management for COVID-19 vaccine associated side effects are imperative for physicians. COVID-19 vaccine-induced thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS) is one of potential life-threating complication. The pathophysiology of TTS is presumably the development of antibodies against platelet factor 4 (PF4), further resulting in platelet consumption, depletion, and thrombus formation. COVID-19 vaccine-induced TTS has been reported as a very rare complication after the ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 (AstraZeneca) vaccination and usually manifesting as cerebral venous thrombosis or pulmonary artery embolism. Comparison with stroke and pulmonary embolism, TTS associated intra-abdominal thrombosis is less common. We report a rare case of abdominal pain after the first-dose ChAdOx1 COVID-19 (AstraZeneca) vaccination, the final diagnosis is TTS complicated by hepatic vein thrombosis. Early diagnosis and timely management strategies for TTS are required.

An Unusual Variant of Lemierre’s Syndrome with Multiple Abscesses and Hepatic Vein Thrombosis

Introduction: Lemierre’s syndrome is an uncommon, life-threatening disease that develops as a severe complication of oropharyngeal infection. However, this syndrome has also been reported during anaerobic septicemia, originating from diverse sources of infection, such as the gastrointestinal system. The diagnosis of this syndrome remains challenging, and is often prompted by the detection of Fusobacterium necrophorum in blood culture, rather than with clinical signs or symptoms. Case Presentation: A previously healthy 38-year-old woman was hospitalized for a 6-day history of fever, watery diarrhea, and vomiting. Physical examination of the patient showed fever, pharyngitis, and diffuse abdominal tenderness. Laboratory investigations revealed elevated inflammatory markers, and two blood cultures revealed Fusobacterium necrophorum. An abdominal ultrasound showed a liver abscess and hepatic vein thrombosis. The thoracoabdominal and cerebral computed tomography scan confirmed the results of the abdominal ultrasound. It additionally revealed bilateral lung nodules and a parietal brain abscess. The patient’s general condition and her laboratory test results, improved after receiving treatment with ceftriaxone and metronidazole. She received antibiotics for three months, without anticoagulation therapy. Repeated computed tomography scans showed a resolution of the liver, pulmonary, and brain abscesses, as well as the recanalization of the hepatic vein. Conclusions: Lemierre’s syndrome emerges as a result of septic illness and liver abscesses in case of gastrointestinal symptoms despite the lack of common presentation.