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Forensic Science, Medicine and Pathology

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01-03-2022 | Autopsy | Case Report

Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) following recent Oxford/AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccination

Authors: Fiona Permezel, Branko Borojevic, Stephanie Lau, Hans H. de Boer

Published in: Forensic Science, Medicine and Pathology | Issue 1/2022

Abstract

This report describes the clinical context and autopsy findings in the first reported fatal case of acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM), developed after being vaccinated using the Oxford/AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine. ADEM is a rare autoimmune disease, causing demyelination in the brain and spinal cord. A wide variety of precipitating factors can trigger ADEM, and it has long been known to be a rare adverse event following some types of vaccinations. Recently, ADEM has also been associated with COVID-19 infection and (very rarely) with COVID-19 vaccination. The reports of the latter however all pertain to living patients. Our case demonstrates that ADEM should be considered in patients developing neurological symptoms post COVID-19 vaccination, although that this adverse reaction is likely to remain extremely rare. Our report further emphasizes the added value of comprehensive post mortem investigation to confirm ante mortem diagnosis and to determine vaccination safety.

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Title: Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) following recent Oxford/AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccination
Authors: Fiona Permezel
Branko Borojevic
Stephanie Lau
Hans H. de Boer
Publication date: 01-03-2022
Publisher: Springer US
Keywords: Autopsy
COVID-19 Vaccination
Vaccination
COVID-19
Pathology
Published in: Forensic Science, Medicine and Pathology / Issue 1/2022
Print ISSN: 1547-769X
Electronic ISSN: 1556-2891
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12024-021-00440-7

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Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) following recent Oxford/AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccination

Abstract

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Abstract

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