SARS-CoV-2 vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia

Abstract

SARS-CoV-2 vaccines have been carefully developed and significantly alleviate the global pandemic. However, a rare but severe complication after vaccination of adenoviral vector vaccines has attracted worldwide attention. It is characterized by thrombosis at unusual sites (often cerebral or abdominal), thrombocytopenia, and the presence of antibodies against platelet factor 4 (PF4), termed vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT). Its pathogenesis is similar to that of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT). VITT progresses rapidly and has a high mortality rate. Clinicians and the public should raise their vigilance to this disease so that accurate and timely treatment is provided.

Keywords: Adenoviral vector; Antibody against platelet factor 4; SARS-CoV-2 vaccine; Thrombocytopenia; Thrombosis.