Unilateral Axillary Lymphadenopathy Frequency and Follow-up Results After Inactivated COVID-19 Vaccination

Authors : Funda Dinç, Cenk Elibol, Murat Yunus Özdemir, Turhan Togan

Pages : 132-138

Doi:10.47572/muskutd.1407668

View : 23 | Download : 18

Publication Date : 2024-12-18

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Vaccine-induced ipsilateral axillary lymphadenopathy can be encountered with the widespread application of COVID-19 vaccines. The study aims to evaluate the frequency of axillary lymphadenopathy, sonographic features of axillary lymph nodes after administration of inactivated COVID-19 vaccine, and follow-up results. Between March and April 2021, a total of 127 participants were enrolled in this prospective study. Data were analyzed using both descriptive and exploratory test techniques with SPSS. A total of 127 participants (39.92±8.96 years, 68.5% men), who were between 10-16 days after the second dose vaccination, were evaluated for axillary lymph node status by initial ultrasound. A total of 32 participants (25.2%) had ipsilateral axillary lymphadenopathy in the initial ultrasound. Only one of these patients had persistent lymphadenopathy on the control ultrasound 30 days later. The widest cortical thickness was significantly higher on the ipsilateral side (2.63±2.12 mm) compared to the contralateral side (1.53±1.11 mm) (p<.001). The number of lymphadenopathies was higher on the vaccinated side compared to the contralateral side (p<.001). A significant relationship between the history of COVID-19 infection and the absence of ipsilateral lymphadenopathy was found (p<.001). As a local adverse effect, ipsilateral axillary lymphadenopathy following the second dose of inactivated COVID-19 vaccine can be seen, and it usually regresses within a month. However, during that period, axillary lymphadenopathy is not expected in vaccinated individuals who previously experienced COVID-19 infection. Awareness and questioning of both infection and vaccination history before radiological examinations involving the axilla should help the radiologist avoid the misinterpretation of lymphadenopathy. It should be kept in mind that vaccine-induced ipsilateral axillary lymphadenopathy can be seen after inactivated COVID-19 vaccines in individuals who don’t have a history of coronavirus infection, and it regresses a month later after detection.
Keywords : Aşılama, Covid-19, Kortikal Kalınlık, Lenfadenopati, Ultrasonografi