Behcet's disease-related panuveitis following COVID-19 vaccination: A case report

World J Radiol. 2024 Sep 28;16(9):460-465. doi: 10.4329/wjr.v16.i9.460.

Abstract

Background: Behcet's disease (BD) is an inflammatory disorder known for various symptoms, including oral and genital ulcers and ocular inflammation. Panuveitis, a severe eye condition, is rare as the first sign of BD.

Case summary: We present an unusual case of a 30-year-old man who developed panuveitis after receiving the mRNA-based coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine (Moderna). Laboratory tests ruled out infections, but he had a positive HLA-B51 result and a history of genital ulcer and oral ulcers, leading to a BD diagnosis. Treatment with corticosteroids improved his condition. Interestingly, he had another episode of panuveitis after the second mRNA vaccine dose, which also responded to corticosteroids.

Conclusion: This case highlights the rare onset of BD following mRNA COVID-19 vaccination, suggesting a potential link between these vaccines and BD's eye symptoms, emphasizing the importance of quick treatment in similar cases.

Keywords: Behcet’s disease; Case report; Ocular inflammation; Panuveitis; mRNA COVID-19 vaccine.

Publication types

  • Case Reports