Hepatitis B virus-related vasculitis manifesting as severe peripheral neuropathy following influenza vaccination

Clin Neurol Neurosurg. 2008 Jul;110(7):750-2. doi: 10.1016/j.clineuro.2008.05.006. Epub 2008 Jun 24.

Abstract

We report the case of a 68-year-old man who developed hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related vasculitis, manifesting as mononeuritis multiplex, 8 days after influenza vaccination. The patient was a carrier of wild-type HBV, and had never received influenza vaccination. Histologic examination of the left sural nerve revealed necrotising vasculitis predominantly involving small blood vessels. HbsAg deposits were observed at a high density around the epineurial blood vessels of the sural nerve. He was treated with prednisone and Lamivudine. His condition improved gradually. However, seroconversion of HBs and HBe Ag was not detected. At the last follow-up 2 years later, his vascilitis did not recur. On the basis of the time of onset of vasculitis, the presumptive immune-mediated pathology of this disorder suggests a possible etiologic link with influenza vaccine. To our knowledge, our case is the first to show vasculitis of peripheral nerves proven pathologically after influenza vaccination.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Carrier State / diagnosis
  • Carrier State / virology
  • Hepatitis B / complications*
  • Hepatitis B / virology
  • Hepatitis B Surface Antigens / blood
  • Hepatitis B virus / immunology
  • Humans
  • Influenza Vaccines / administration & dosage
  • Influenza Vaccines / adverse effects*
  • Influenza Vaccines / immunology
  • Male
  • Mononeuropathies / etiology
  • Mononeuropathies / pathology*
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Vasculitis / etiology
  • Vasculitis / pathology*

Substances

  • Hepatitis B Surface Antigens
  • Influenza Vaccines