Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada syndrome potentially associated with COVID-19 vaccination: a case report and literature review
To investigate the potential association between COVID-19 vaccination and Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) syndrome, offering novel insights for the diagnosis and management of vaccine-related ocular disorders. A case report combined with a literature review was conducted. A 19-year-old male developing VK...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Taylor & Francis Group
2025-07-01
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| Series: | Immunological Medicine |
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| Online Access: | https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/10.1080/25785826.2025.2528331 |
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| author | Zhiqiang Cui Yan Luo Yanli Yi Xuli Guo Yuqi Liu Xiang Wang Xiaonan Liu |
| author_facet | Zhiqiang Cui Yan Luo Yanli Yi Xuli Guo Yuqi Liu Xiang Wang Xiaonan Liu |
| author_sort | Zhiqiang Cui |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | To investigate the potential association between COVID-19 vaccination and Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) syndrome, offering novel insights for the diagnosis and management of vaccine-related ocular disorders. A case report combined with a literature review was conducted. A 19-year-old male developing VKH after receiving the second dose of an inactivated COVID-19 vaccine was analyzed. Clinical features, treatment outcomes (glucocorticoid therapy with 2-year follow-up), and literature-based comparisons were evaluated. PubMed-indexed cases of vaccine-associated VKH were systematically reviewed, and causality was assessed using the Naranjo Adverse Drug Reaction Probability Scale. The patient presented with bilateral blurred vision 14 days post-vaccination, diagnosed as VKH with retinal neuroepithelial detachment via fluorescein angiography (FFA) and optical coherence tomography (OCT). Oral prednisone (starting at 60 mg/day, tapered gradually)restored visual acuity to near-normal levels (OD: 20/40, OS: 20/33), consistent with the patient’s reported baseline vision. Within 8 weeks, with no recurrence during follow-up. Literature analysis revealed vaccine-associated VKH symptoms typically emerged at a median of 8 days post-vaccination, aligning with the WHO’s 40-day adverse event monitoring window. A Naranjo score of 4 indicated a probable vaccine-triggered immune response. COVID-19 vaccines may induce VKH via immune dysregulation mechanisms, particularly in genetically predisposed individuals. Although causality remains unconfirmed, clinicians should maintain vigilance for acute bilateral uveitis post-vaccination. Glucocorticoid therapy demonstrates efficacy in symptom resolution and relapse prevention. Enhanced active surveillance and mechanistic studies on vaccine-related ocular adverse events are warranted. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-5532ecdf07bc40fa8cd97752c02e54a7 |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2578-5826 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-07-01 |
| publisher | Taylor & Francis Group |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Immunological Medicine |
| spelling | doaj-art-5532ecdf07bc40fa8cd97752c02e54a72025-08-20T03:28:06ZengTaylor & Francis GroupImmunological Medicine2578-58262025-07-0111410.1080/25785826.2025.2528331Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada syndrome potentially associated with COVID-19 vaccination: a case report and literature reviewZhiqiang Cui0Yan Luo1Yanli Yi2Xuli Guo3Yuqi Liu4Xiang Wang5Xiaonan Liu6Department of Breast Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Hebei Engineering University, Handan, Hebei, ChinaDepartment of Reproductive Genetics, Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, ChinaDepartment of Breast Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Hebei Engineering University, Handan, Hebei, ChinaHebei Engineering University, Handan, Hebei, ChinaHebei Engineering University, Handan, Hebei, ChinaSpace Engineering University, Beijing, ChinaHe University, Liaoning, Shenyang, ChinaTo investigate the potential association between COVID-19 vaccination and Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) syndrome, offering novel insights for the diagnosis and management of vaccine-related ocular disorders. A case report combined with a literature review was conducted. A 19-year-old male developing VKH after receiving the second dose of an inactivated COVID-19 vaccine was analyzed. Clinical features, treatment outcomes (glucocorticoid therapy with 2-year follow-up), and literature-based comparisons were evaluated. PubMed-indexed cases of vaccine-associated VKH were systematically reviewed, and causality was assessed using the Naranjo Adverse Drug Reaction Probability Scale. The patient presented with bilateral blurred vision 14 days post-vaccination, diagnosed as VKH with retinal neuroepithelial detachment via fluorescein angiography (FFA) and optical coherence tomography (OCT). Oral prednisone (starting at 60 mg/day, tapered gradually)restored visual acuity to near-normal levels (OD: 20/40, OS: 20/33), consistent with the patient’s reported baseline vision. Within 8 weeks, with no recurrence during follow-up. Literature analysis revealed vaccine-associated VKH symptoms typically emerged at a median of 8 days post-vaccination, aligning with the WHO’s 40-day adverse event monitoring window. A Naranjo score of 4 indicated a probable vaccine-triggered immune response. COVID-19 vaccines may induce VKH via immune dysregulation mechanisms, particularly in genetically predisposed individuals. Although causality remains unconfirmed, clinicians should maintain vigilance for acute bilateral uveitis post-vaccination. Glucocorticoid therapy demonstrates efficacy in symptom resolution and relapse prevention. Enhanced active surveillance and mechanistic studies on vaccine-related ocular adverse events are warranted.https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/10.1080/25785826.2025.2528331COVID-19inactivated vaccineVogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH)ocular adverse events |
| spellingShingle | Zhiqiang Cui Yan Luo Yanli Yi Xuli Guo Yuqi Liu Xiang Wang Xiaonan Liu Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada syndrome potentially associated with COVID-19 vaccination: a case report and literature review Immunological Medicine COVID-19 inactivated vaccine Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) ocular adverse events |
| title | Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada syndrome potentially associated with COVID-19 vaccination: a case report and literature review |
| title_full | Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada syndrome potentially associated with COVID-19 vaccination: a case report and literature review |
| title_fullStr | Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada syndrome potentially associated with COVID-19 vaccination: a case report and literature review |
| title_full_unstemmed | Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada syndrome potentially associated with COVID-19 vaccination: a case report and literature review |
| title_short | Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada syndrome potentially associated with COVID-19 vaccination: a case report and literature review |
| title_sort | vogt koyanagi harada syndrome potentially associated with covid 19 vaccination a case report and literature review |
| topic | COVID-19 inactivated vaccine Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) ocular adverse events |
| url | https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/10.1080/25785826.2025.2528331 |
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