A Case of Systemic Capillary Leak Syndrome With Severe Cardiac Dysfunction After mRNA Vaccination for COVID-19

A 53-year-old woman with no significant medical history developed cardiogenic shock 4 days after receiving the second dose of the COVID-19 mRNA vaccine (BNT162b2, Pfizer/BioNtech). The patient required extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and an Impella device. Based on significant hemoconcentration, decreased plasma protein levels, and pathologic findings in myocardial specimens, the patient was diagnosed with vaccination-induced fulminant systemic capillary leak syndrome (SCLS) with severe cardiac dysfunction. This case highlights that SCLS can occur after COVID-19 mRNA vaccination and may be associated with cardiac dysfunction. In patients with cardiogenic shock, hemoconcentration, and hypoalbuminemia after vaccination, SCLS should be considered.