Complex Regional Pain Syndrome in an Adult Following Tetanus-Diphteria Toxoid Vaccine: Case Report and Review of the Literature

Abstract

Background: Complex regional pain syndrome [CRPS] is a painful and disabling chronic neuropathic disorder, and unfortunately, due to its wide spectrum of clinical manifestations, the diagnosis may often be missed by primary-care physicians. To the authors' knowledge, there are no reported cases of CRPS following immunization with tetanus-diphteria toxoid booster vaccine in an adult.

Findings: We present a 26-year-old woman with severe pain, swelling, and limited range of motion of the left forearm following a booster dose of the tetanus-diphteria toxoid vaccine.

Conclusion: Disease awareness among practitioners, early recognition, and appropriate treatment is essential to minimize the risk of adverse outcome.