Incomplete systemic capillary leak syndrome after COVID-19 vaccination: a case-based review

Jaroslaw Nowakowski; Brygida Marczyk; Joanna Przeniosło; Zuzanna Sawiec; Kinga Żmuda; Mariusz Korkosz

doi:10.5114/ceji.2025.149254

eISSN: 1644-4124
ISSN: 1426-3912

Central European Journal of Immunology

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1/2025
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abstract:

Short communication

Incomplete systemic capillary leak syndrome after COVID-19 vaccination: a case-based review

Jaroslaw Nowakowski

¹

,

Brygida Marczyk

²

,

Joanna Przeniosło

³

,

Zuzanna Sawiec

³

,

Kinga Żmuda

³

,

Mariusz Korkosz

¹

Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland
Jagiellonian Centre for Experimental Therapeutics (JCET), Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
Students’ Scientific Group of Rheumatology and Immunology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland

Cent Eur J Immunol 2025; 50 (1): 119-121

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5114/ceji.2025.149254

Online publish date: 2025/05/05

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Although generalized edema is a rare adverse event after drugs or vaccinations, here we report a case of generalized edema with systemic inflammatory reaction clinically similar to incomplete systemic capillary leak syndrome (SCLS), potentially triggered by COVID-19 immunization. The patient presented with generalized subcutaneous edema, a drop in blood pressure, elevated inflammatory biomarkers, and hypoalbuminemia after receiving the vaccine, with no other apparent cause than vaccination. Comprehensive diagnostic evaluation revealed no specific underlying cause. She was treated with glucocorticosteroids successfully. This case underscores the importance of recognizing rare but severe adverse events associated with vaccinations. Given the widespread administration of COVID-19 vaccines, it is crucial to identify and understand such reactions to ensure timely diagnosis and management. Therefore, we review the existing cases of SCLS following COVID-19 vaccination. Our review highlights the need for heightened vigilance and further research into the mechanisms underlying vaccine-induced phenomena to improve patient outcomes and vaccine safety profiles.

keywords:

Incomplete systemic capillary leak syndrome after COVID-19 vaccination: a case-based review

Jaroslaw Nowakowski 1 , Brygida Marczyk 2 , Joanna Przeniosło 3 , Zuzanna Sawiec 3 , Kinga Żmuda 3 , Mariusz Korkosz 1

vaccination, adverse events, COVID-19, systemic capillary leak syndrome, generalized edema

Jaroslaw Nowakowski

¹

,

Brygida Marczyk

²

,

Joanna Przeniosło

³

,

Zuzanna Sawiec

³

,

Kinga Żmuda

³

,

Mariusz Korkosz

¹