Myocarditis Following the Second Dose of COVID-19 Vaccination in a Japanese Adolescent

Abstract

As COVID-19 vaccines continue to be deployed worldwide, countries are now planning to vaccinate their pediatric populations as well. However, several vaccine-related adverse events, including myocarditis, have been reported. Although the incidence of myocarditis after BNT162b2 vaccination is low, it is higher, particularly after receiving the second dose, among young male recipients. A 13-year-old male adolescent presented with chest pain after the second dose of the BNT162b2 vaccination. Electrocardiography, echocardiography, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, and blood examinations were consistent with myocarditis. He was treated conservatively because his symptoms were relatively mild. In Japan, it is expected that the chances of diagnosing vaccine-related myocarditis will increase as more children are getting vaccinated. Our case report raises concerns to physicians that the COVID-19 vaccination may cause rare cases of myocarditis, which must always be considered as a differential diagnosis.