Parsonage-Turner syndrome following monkeypox infection and vaccination

Abstract

Beginning in May 2022, monkeypox infection and vaccination rates dramatically increased due to a worldwide outbreak. This case highlights magnetic resonance (MR) neurography findings in an individual who developed Parsonage-Turner syndrome (PTS) 5 days after monkeypox symptom onset and 12 days after receiving the JYNNEOS vaccination. MR neurography of the patient’s left suprascapular nerve demonstrated intrinsic hourglass-like constrictions, a characteristic finding of peripheral nerves involved in PTS. Other viral infections and vaccinations are well-documented triggers of PTS, an underrecognized peripheral neuropathy that is thought to be immune-mediated and results in severe upper extremity pain and weakness. The close temporal relationship between monkeypox infection and vaccination, and PTS onset, in this case, suggests a causal relationship and marks the first known report of peripheral neuropathy associated with monkeypox.