Electronic Cigarette or Vaping-Associated Lung Injury Case Report

Area of Science:

• Pulmonology
• Radiology
• Toxicology

Background:

• Electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) or vaping associated lung injury (EVALI) is increasingly recognized, particularly in young, healthy individuals.
• Common EVALI symptoms include shortness of breath and chest pain, with organizing pneumonia and diffuse alveolar damage on CT scans.
• Pneumomediastinum is a recognized complication of EVALI, necessitating its consideration in differential diagnoses.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a unique case of EVALI presenting with pneumomediastinum.
• To emphasize the diverse clinical and imaging findings associated with EVALI.
• To highlight the importance of recognizing EVALI as a diagnosis of exclusion when pneumomediastinum is present.

Main Methods:

• Case report detailing a patient with EVALI and pneumomediastinum.
• Review of clinical symptoms, diagnostic imaging (CT), and treatment modalities.
• Exclusion of other potential causes of pneumomediastinum.

Main Results:

• The case demonstrated pneumomediastinum as a sequela of EVALI.
• EVALI presented with nonspecific symptoms, including gastrointestinal and respiratory issues.
• Diverse imaging findings, such as subcutaneous emphysema and pneumomediastinum, were observed.

Conclusions:

• EVALI can manifest with varied presentations, including pneumomediastinum.
• Awareness of nonspecific clinical symptoms and diverse imaging findings is crucial for diagnosing EVALI.
• Successful treatment involved empiric antibiotics, steroids, and conservative management to limit intrathoracic pressure.