Postural tachycardia syndrome
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE:
Postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS) is a heterogeneous disorder of the autonomic nervous system that may have an autoimmune etiology.
METHODS:
Six patients who developed new onset POTS 6 days to 2 months following human papillomavirus vaccination are reported.
RESULTS:
Three patients also had neurocardiogenic syncope, and three patients were diagnosed with possible small fiber neuropathy. Symptoms in all patients improved over 3 years with pharmacotherapy and non-pharmacological measures but residual symptoms persisted. Molecular mimicry with formation of cross-reacting autoantibodies to the potential targets of the autonomic ganglia, neurons, cardiac proteins or vascular receptors is considered as a possible pathogenesis of new onset POTS after immunization.
CONCLUSION:
Correct diagnosis of POTS and awareness that POTS may occur after vaccination in young women is essential for prompt and effective management of this condition.
© 2013 The Author(s) European Journal of Neurology © 2013 EFNS.
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