Polyserositis: a diagnostic challenge

Abstract

Polyserositis is the inflammation of multiple serous membranes, such as the pleura, pericardium, and/or peritoneum, with at least one presenting as an exudate. This condition poses a diagnostic challenge, with causes ranging from neoplasia and autoimmune diseases to infections. However, many cases are classified as idiopathic, with no known cause. The authors describe a 72-year-old woman with cardiac tamponade, later diagnosed with polyserositis after bilateral pleural effusion was documented as exudative. After extensive investigation, neoplastic, infectious, and autoimmune causes were ruled out, leaving recent administration of a SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine as the only significant factor. A systemic inflammatory response to the vaccine was assumed, given the positive response to treatment and full recovery in the following months. This case underscores the importance of thorough investigation in polyserositis and highlights a rare potential adverse effect of the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine.