Lymphadenopathy in COVID-19 Vaccine Recipients: Diagnostic Dilemma in Oncologic Patients
Can Özütemiz, Luke A. Krystosek, An Church, Anil Chauhan, Jutta Ellermann, Evidio Domingo‐Musibay, Daniel Steinberger
Abstract
Five cases of axillary lymphadenopathy are presented, which occurred after COVID-19 vaccination and mimicked metastasis in a vulnerable oncologic patient group. Initial radiologic diagnosis raised concerns for metastasis. However, further investigation revealed that patients received COVID-19 vaccinations in the ipsilateral arm prior to imaging. In two cases, lymph node biopsy results confirmed vaccination-related reactive lymphadenopathy. Ipsilateral axillary swelling or lymphadenopathy was reported based on symptoms and physical examination in COVID-19 vaccine trials. Knowledge of the potential for COVID-19 vaccine-related ipsilateral adenopathy is necessary to avoid unnecessary biopsy and change in therapy. © RSNA, 2021.