Summary
Introduction:
This text presents the cases of four patients with chronic lung disease associated with e-cigarette use. The patients underwent clinical evaluation, pulmonary function tests, chest high-resolution computed tomography, endobronchial optical coherence tomography imaging, and histopathologic assessment. The study associates the histopathologic pattern of small airway-centered fibrosis, including constrictive bronchiolitis, with vaping.
Key Points:
* The study presents four patients with chronic lung disease associated with e-cigarette use.
* The patients underwent clinical evaluation, pulmonary function tests, chest high-resolution computed tomography, endobronchial optical coherence tomography imaging, and histopathologic assessment.
* The predominant histopathologic feature was small airway-centered fibrosis, including constrictive bronchiolitis.
* The patients had mild progressive airway obstruction on pulmonary function tests and/or chest high-resolution computed tomography findings demonstrating evidence of air trapping and bronchial wall thickening.
* Endobronchial optical coherence tomography imaging showed small airway-centered fibrosis with bronchiolar narrowing and lumen irregularities.
* after cessation of e-cigarette use, patients had partial reversal of disease over 1 to 4 years.
* The study associates the histopathologic pattern of small airway-centered fibrosis, including constrictive bronchiolitis, with vaping.
Main Message:
The study suggests that vaping is associated with chronic lung disease, specifically small airway-centered fibrosis, including constrictive bronchiolitis. The study highlights the importance of understanding the potential chronic health risks associated with e-cigarette use, particularly among adolescents. healthcare providers should be aware of the potential long-term consequences of vaping and consider it as a potential cause of chronic lung disease in patients with a history of e-cigarette use.
Citation
hariri LP, Flashner BM, Kanarek DJ, et al. E-Cigarette Use, Small airway Fibrosis, and Constrictive Bronchiolitis. NEJM evidence. 2022;1(6). doi:10.1056/evidoa2100051
