Corneal Graft Rejection After Inactivated SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine: Case Report

Cornea. 2022 Apr 1;41(4):502-504. doi: 10.1097/ICO.0000000000002970.

Abstract

Purpose: Our aim was to report the case of endothelial corneal allograft rejection after inactivated severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccine with an atypical presentation.

Methods: This was a case report.

Results: A 63-year-old woman with previous penetrating keratoplasty and laser in situ keratomileusis presented with clinical signs of endothelial corneal graft rejection 24 hours after CoronaVac (SinoVac Biotech, Beijing/China) vaccine. Slitlamp examination showed corneal edema and interface fluid accumulation. It was partially resolved after treatment with topical corticosteroids and polydimethylsiloxane.

Conclusions: Corneal allograft rejection was already reported after another SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. This is the first report in the literature describing a possible association with inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine and corneal allograft rejection, especially with laser in situ keratomileusis interface fluid accumulation presentation. Ophthalmologists should be aware of this potential complication.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Allografts
  • COVID-19 / prevention & control*
  • COVID-19 Vaccines / adverse effects*
  • Dexamethasone / therapeutic use
  • Dimethylpolysiloxanes / therapeutic use
  • Female
  • Glucocorticoids / therapeutic use
  • Graft Rejection / diagnosis
  • Graft Rejection / drug therapy
  • Graft Rejection / etiology*
  • Humans
  • Keratomileusis, Laser In Situ
  • Keratoplasty, Penetrating*
  • Middle Aged
  • SARS-CoV-2 / immunology*
  • Slit Lamp Microscopy
  • Vaccines, Inactivated / adverse effects*

Substances

  • COVID-19 Vaccines
  • Dimethylpolysiloxanes
  • Glucocorticoids
  • SARS-CoV-2 inactivated vaccines
  • Vaccines, Inactivated
  • baysilon
  • Dexamethasone