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COVID-19 vaccination and rheumatological manifestations: RS3PE syndrome?
Vol. 33 No. 3 (2026), Case reports
Vol. 33 No. 3 (2026)

COVID-19 vaccination and rheumatological manifestations: RS3PE syndrome?

Case reports
https://doi.org/10.35465/rbj.rbj.128
Published January 27, 2026
Tiago Borges
Trofa Saúde Hospital Privado em Gaia
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8271-9865
Sérgio Silva
Trofa Saúde Hospital Privado em Gaia, Portugal
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Keywords

arthritis
hand
joint disorders

How to Cite

Borges, T., & Silva, S. (2026). COVID-19 vaccination and rheumatological manifestations: RS3PE syndrome?. Rheumatology (Bulgaria), 33(3), 55-57. https://doi.org/10.35465/rbj.rbj.128
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Abstract

Rheumatological manifestations of SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 vaccination are being repeatedly reported. Herein, we describe a case of a 75-year-old woman who presented with pitting edema of hands and feet and arthritis of small joints following the administration of BNT162b2 (BioNTech-Pfizer) mRNA vaccine. We also discuss potential mechanisms that might explain the occurrence of RS3PE as a rheumatological manifestation of COVID-19 vaccination.

https://doi.org/10.35465/rbj.rbj.128
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