New-Onset of Diffuse Systemic Sclerosis Following COVID-19 Vaccination: 3rd Case Described
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Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) has been reported in rare cases following COVID-19 vaccination, raising concerns about potential autoimmune triggers. Herein, we describe the third documented case of diffuse SSc post-vaccination in a 22-year-old woman with no prior autoimmune history. Symptoms, including Raynaud's phenomenon, polyarthritis, and sclerodactyly, emerged within a month after the first dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. Laboratory and clinical evaluations confirmed the diagnosis, with no evidence of interstitial lung disease or internal organ involvement. Previous reports and the temporal association suggest a potential role of vaccination in SSc onset, emphasizing the need for further research into autoimmune risks linked to immunization.
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