Respiratory failure caused by lipoid pneumonia from vaping e-cigarettes

Area of Science:

• Pulmonology
• Toxicology

Background:

• E-cigarette (EC) use is increasing, with potential unknown health consequences.
• Lipoid pneumonia is a rare lung disease caused by aspiration of lipids.

Observation:

• A young female vaper presented with respiratory failure, cough, dyspnea, fever, and night sweats.
• Imaging revealed diffuse ground-glass infiltrates; bronchoscopy was unyielding.
• Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgical biopsy confirmed lipoid pneumonia.

Findings:

• The patient's lipoid pneumonia was linked to vegetable glycerine in e-cigarettes.
• Initial steroid treatment improved oxygenation, but symptoms persisted with continued vaping.
• Clinical and spirometric parameters showed no significant improvement despite cessation advice.

Implications:

• E-cigarette ingredients, like vegetable glycerine, can cause severe lung injury.
• Lipoid pneumonia should be considered in vapers with unexplained respiratory symptoms.
• Further research is needed on the long-term pulmonary effects of e-cigarette use.