Vaccination granulomas

Case contributed by Francis Fortin
Diagnosis almost certain

Presentation

Whole-body MRI follow-up for known P53 mutation.

Patient Data

Age: 2 years old
Gender: Female
mri

Bilateral small areas of spiculated high STIR signal in the subcutaneous fat of both anterolateral thighs, stable since last MRI a year ago.

ultrasound

In the subcutaneous fat of both anterolateral thighs, there are hypoechogenic nodules with surrounding hyperechogenic fat.

Case Discussion

Typical location, stability over time, patient age and imaging features are in keeping with post-vaccination aluminum granulomas which are caused are thought to be caused by aluminum-containing adjuvants in certain vaccines. These can cause local pruritus. Treatment is purely symptomatic and development of these granulomas is not a contraindication to further vaccination with the offending vaccine or other types.

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