Autoimmune/Inflammatory syndrome induced by adjuvants (ASIA): Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder after BBIBP-Cor-V vaccine, case report

Background: Recently the term Autoimmune/Inflammatory Syndrome induced by Adjuvants has been proposed to describe different clinical conditions, among them post-vaccinal phenomena like demyelinating diseases. Objective: We aim to add knowledge on the possible association of vaccines and the development of demyelinating diseases. Case report: We present the case of a 38-year-old female that developed a brainstem syndrome after vaccination with COVID-19 BBIBP-CorV Sinopharm Vaccine. The final diagnosis after extensive work-out was Neuromyelitis Optica spectrum disorder with positive Aquaporin 4 positive antibodies; and long-term treatment with Rituximab was initiated. Conclusion: Since we are facing a large-scale vaccination, professionals should be aware of the presence of demyelinating diseases as adverse events for COVID-19 vaccine.