Lung injury associated with electronic cigarettes inhalation diagnosed by transbronchial lung biopsy

A 46‐year‐old healthy man developed respiratory distress, night sweats, fever, and weight loss after using electronic cigarettes (e‐cigs) for approximately 1 month. He presented to the hospital when the symptoms worsened 2 months after onset. The findings of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid examination and the following transbronchial lung biopsy examination led to the diagnosis of acute alveolitis: intra‐alveolar fibrosis accompanied with exudate containing abundant lipid‐laden macrophages, eosinophils, and neutrophils. Eventually, e‐cig–induced acute lung injury was diagnosed. The symptoms were rapidly alleviated upon e‐cig use termination and methylprednisolone pulse therapy, and no subsequent recurrence was observed. There have been only a few reported cases of e‐cig–induced lung injury. In e‐cig users presenting with atypical pneumonia, close examination by BAL and biopsy should be performed to verify the presence or absence of lipid‐laden macrophages. Electronic cigarettes (e‐cigs) have gained in popularity in recent years. The toxins in e‐cig smoke are considered to be fewer than in cigarettes. However, lung injury caused by e‐cig use, while rare, continues to be reported. Here, we report the clinical and pathological findings of a case of e‐cig–induced acute lung injury confirmed by bronchoalveolar lavage and transbronchial lung biopsy.
Source: Respirology Case Reports - Category: Respiratory Medicine Authors: Tags: Case Report Source Type: research