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European Radiology

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05-03-2022 | Breast Cancer | Breast

Frequency and outcomes of MRI-detected axillary adenopathy following COVID-19 vaccination

Authors: Joao V. Horvat, Varadan Sevilimedu, Anton S. Becker, Rocio Perez-Johnston, Randy Yeh, Kimberly N. Feigin

Published in: European Radiology | Issue 8/2022

Abstract

Objectives

To assess the frequency of ipsilateral axillary adenopathy on breast MRI after COVID-19 vaccination. To investigate the duration, outcomes, and associated variables of vaccine-related adenopathy.

Methods

In this retrospective cohort study, our database was queried for patients who underwent breast MRI following COVID-19 vaccination from January 22, 2021, to March 21, 2021. The frequency of ipsilateral axillary adenopathy and possible associated variables were evaluated, including age, personal history of ipsilateral breast cancer, clinical indication for breast MRI, type of vaccine, side of vaccination, number of doses, and number of days between the vaccine and the MRI exam. The outcomes of the adenopathy were investigated, including the duration of adenopathy and biopsy results.

Results

A total of 357 patients were included. The frequency of adenopathy on breast MRI was 29% (104/357 patients). Younger patients and shorter time intervals from the second dose of the vaccine were significantly associated with the development of adenopathy (p = 0.002 for both). Most adenopathy resolved or decreased on follow-up, with 11% of patients presenting persistence of adenopathy up to 64 days after the second dose of the vaccine. Metastatic axillary carcinoma was diagnosed in three patients; all three had a current ipsilateral breast cancer diagnosis.

Conclusions

Vaccine-related adenopathy is a frequent event after COVID-19 vaccination; short-term follow-up is an appropriate clinical approach, except in patients with current ipsilateral breast cancer. Adenopathy may often persist 4–8 weeks after the second dose of the vaccine, thus favoring longer follow-up periods.

Key Points

• MRI-detected ipsilateral axillary adenopathy is a frequent benign finding after mRNA COVID-19 vaccination.

• Axillary adenopathy following COVID-19 vaccination often persists > 4 weeks after vaccination, favoring longer follow-up periods.

• In patients with concurrent ipsilateral breast cancer, axillary adenopathy can represent metastatic carcinoma and follow-up is not appropriate.

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Title: Frequency and outcomes of MRI-detected axillary adenopathy following COVID-19 vaccination
Authors: Joao V. Horvat
Varadan Sevilimedu
Anton S. Becker
Rocio Perez-Johnston
Randy Yeh
Kimberly N. Feigin
Publication date: 05-03-2022
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Keywords: Breast Cancer
COVID-19 Vaccination
Vaccination
Breast Cancer
Breast MRI
Published in: European Radiology / Issue 8/2022
Print ISSN: 0938-7994
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1084
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00330-022-08655-0

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Frequency and outcomes of MRI-detected axillary adenopathy following COVID-19 vaccination

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Key Points

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Key Points

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