S.E.H. v. HHS - Influenza, mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD) (2018)

S.E.H. filed a petition alleging that an influenza vaccine administered on September 20, 2012, caused her to develop mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD), with onset of symptoms on October 3, 2012. She later amended the petition to allege the vaccine significantly aggravated a pre-existing autoimmune condition.

The petitioner was born in 1955, making her 57 years old at the time of vaccination. Extensive medical records were presented, detailing her history of various musculoskeletal issues, hypothyroidism, and sinus problems predating the vaccination.

Post-vaccination, she developed joint pain and stiffness, leading to a diagnosis of MCTD by her rheumatologist, Dr. Lin, in October 2012.

However, respondent's expert, Dr. Matloubian, a rheumatologist and virologist, strongly contested the MCTD diagnosis, arguing that the petitioner's serological tests, particularly her ANA pattern and anti-RNP antibody results, were inconsistent with MCTD and likely false positives.

He opined that her symptoms were more indicative of chronic pain syndrome and osteoarthritis, which predated the vaccination. Petitioner's expert, Dr.

Ahmed, a researcher in immunology and rheumatology, supported the causal link between the vaccine and MCTD, citing theories of molecular mimicry and immune priming, and suggesting the vaccine triggered her autoimmune disease. After a hearing and review of expert reports and medical literature, the Special Master found that the petitioner failed to present a persuasive medical theory of causation linking the flu vaccine to MCTD or proving significant aggravation of a prior condition.

Consequently, the case was dismissed.