Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome following H1N1-influenza vaccination - a case report

• Published in: Acta neurologica Scandinavica Vol. 126; no. 5; pp. e25 - e28
• Main Authors: Ansakorpi, Hanna, Rusanen, Harri, Rytky, Seppo, Färkkilä, Markus
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Denmark Blackwell Publishing Ltd 01.11.2012
• Subjects: adjuvants; adjuvants, immunological; Adult; Arthritis, Rheumatoid - complications; Autoantibodies - blood; Autoantibodies - immunology; Autoantigens - immunology; Autoimmune diseases; autoimmune diseases, nervous system; Calcium Channels - immunology; Case reports; Environmental factors; Female; H1N1 virus; Humans; immunological; Influenza A; Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype; Influenza Vaccines - adverse effects; Influenza, Human - prevention & control; Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome; Lambert-Eaton Myasthenic Syndrome - etiology; Lambert-Eaton Myasthenic Syndrome - immunology; Lambert-Eaton Myasthenic Syndrome - physiopathology; nervous system; Neuromuscular junctions; pandemics; Vaccination; Vaccines
• ISSN: 0001-6314; 1600-0404; 1600-0404
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0404.2012.01675.x

Background The outbreak of influenza A (H1N1) pandemic during the year 2009 led to the development of several vaccinations against H1N1 virus. In Finland, 2.6 million citizens were vaccinated during pandemic 2009 – 2010 with adjuvanted influenza vaccine, Pandemrix®. Clinical Presentation In this case report, we describe a patient with non‐paraneoplastic Lambert–Eaton myasthenic syndrome following Pandemrix® vaccination. Conclusion Development of various autoimmune diseases in genetically predisposed subjects following exposure to certain environmental factors, including vaccinations, is a well‐known entity. Clinicians should be aware of the possibility of the induction of autoimmune diseases following vaccinations and actively ask the relevant clinical history in a newly diagnosed patient with an autoimmune disorder.