Vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia following AstraZeneca (ChAdOx1 nCoV-19) vaccine: report of two cases

Vaccination with ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 can result in vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT). This phenomenon mimics heparin-induced thrombocytopenia, yet it does not require heparin as a trigger. This case report highlights the potentially lifethreatening complication associated with C...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Rita Carlotta Santoro, Roberto Minici, Marzia Leotta, Mariapia Falbo, Lucia Concetta Elia, Francesca Leo, Antonella Ierardi, Alessandra Strangio, Simona Prejanò
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: PAGEPress Publications 2022-05-01
Series:Bleeding, Thrombosis and Vascular Biology
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Online Access:https://btvb.org/btvb/article/view/23
Description
Summary:Vaccination with ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 can result in vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT). This phenomenon mimics heparin-induced thrombocytopenia, yet it does not require heparin as a trigger. This case report highlights the potentially lifethreatening complication associated with ChAdOx1 nCov-19 vaccine, clinical presentation, diagnostic approach, and treatment. We report two cases of vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia after receiving the first dose of the ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine. We attribute these thrombotic conditions to the vaccine due to the remarkable temporal relationship. The proposed mechanism of VITT is a production of antibodies against platelet factor-4 resulting in massive platelet activation. Healthcare providers should be aware of the possibility of such a fatal complication, and the vaccine recipients should be warned about the symptoms of VITT.
ISSN:2785-5309