Winged scapula caused by Parsonage-Turner syndrome after BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 vaccination

Abstract

A 45-year-old Japanese woman presented with difficulty moving her left shoulder. Ten months previously, the day after she had received her second dose of the BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 vaccine, a severe stabbing pain occurred in her entire left upper extremity. The pain resolved within 2 weeks, although she developed difficulty moving her left shoulder. A left winged scapula was observed. Electromyography showed left upper brachial plexopathy with acute axonal involvement and abundant acute denervation potentials, consistent with Parsonage-Turner syndrome (PTS). PTS should be considered in patients with post-neuralgic motor paralysis of the unilateral upper extremity, which can occur after COVID-19 vaccination.

Keywords

• covid-19 vaccination
• parsonage-turner syndrome
• winged scapula