Central serous chorioretinopathy following the BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has accelerated vaccine development. The BNT162b2 messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccine is being administered worldwide. The purpose of this case series is to report a possible association between the BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine and Central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC). Although rare, CSC has been reported following the administration of anthrax, influenza and smallpox vaccines. METHODS: Four individuals who developed CSC following the BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine were examined in our institution using multimodal imaging of the retina, and their demographic data were analyzed and compared to all the similar cases published to date. RESULTS: Four patients (3 males, 1 female) between the ages of 35 and 65 presented with acute CSC (n = 3) and relapsed CSC (n = 1) within the first week following the administration of the BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine. Three individuals demonstrated hyper-reflective foci in the outer segments of the retina. CONCLUSIONS: The timing of the BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine administration relative to the development of CSC suggests a possible causal relationship. Further research is necessary to explore this possible association.