Summary
Introduction:
This text presents a case report of a patient with exogenous lipoid pneumonia (ELP) caused by the use of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes). The reader will learn about the clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management of ELP, as well as the potential risks associated with e-cigarette use.
Key Points:
* ELP is a rare, chronic inflammatory reaction caused by the presence of lipid substances in the lungs.
* Most cases of ELP are associated with aspiration of mineral oil or lipid-based preparations.
* The patient in this case report presented with dyspnea, productive cough, and subjective fevers, and was found to have extensive bilateral upper- and lower-lobe patchy ground glass pulmonary opacities on CT imaging.
* The diagnosis of ELP was confirmed by the presence of lipid-laden macrophages in the bronchoalveolar lavage (BaL) fluid.
* The patient's symptoms improved after she was instructed to avoid e-cigarette use.
* E-cigarettes contain glycerin, which can be produced from animal fat and can cause ELP if inhaled.
* Public health authorities caution that the risks and benefits of e-cigarettes have not been adequately studied.
Main Message:
This case report highlights the potential risk of ELP associated with e-cigarette use. E-cigarettes are often marketed as a safer alternative to traditional cigarettes, but this case demonstrates that they can still cause harm. healthcare providers should be aware of the possibility of ELP in patients who use e-cigarettes and present with respiratory symptoms. additionally, public health authorities should continue to study the risks and benefits of e-cigarettes to ensure that they are properly regulated. Overall, this case report underscores the importance of caution when using e-cigarettes and the need for further research on their safety.
Citation
McCauley, Lindsay, Catherine Markin, and Danielle hosmer. “an Unexpected Consequence of Electronic Cigarette Use.” Chest 141, no. 4 (april 2012): 1110–13. https://doi.org/10.1378/chest.11-1334.
