Mourad Ababou, Hicham Hammadi, Arjouni Youssef, Cheikhi Brahim, Lassri khaoula, Enaimi Mohamed, Noureddine Kartite, Abdelhafid Houba, Nawfal Doghmi
Journal: Medpeer Publisher
ISSN: 3066-2737
Volume: 3
Issue: 4
Date of Publication: 2026/04/21
Abstract
Background:
E-cigarette or vaping product use-associated lung injury (EVALI) is an increasingly recognized cause of acute hypoxemic respiratory failure. Its diagnosis remains challenging due to nonspecific clinical and radiological features.
Case presentation:
We report the case of a 25-year-old previously healthy female presenting with fever, cough, and rapidly progressive dyspnea. On admission, she exhibited severe hypoxemia with a PaO₂/FiO₂ ratio of 134. Chest computed tomography revealed diffuse bilateral alveolar infiltrates with subpleural nodules. Infectious workup was negative. A history of recent tetrahydrocannabinol-containing e-cigarette use supported the diagnosis of EVALI.
Management and outcome:
The patient required invasive mechanical ventilation due to worsening respiratory failure. Systemic corticosteroid therapy was initiated, resulting in rapid clinical and oxygenation improvement, allowing extubating on day seven.
Conclusion:
EVALI should be considered in young patients with unexplained acute respiratory failure. Early diagnosis and corticosteroid therapy are critical for favorable outcomes.
EVALI; Vaping; Acute respiratory distress syndrome; Corticosteroids; Acute lung injury; Electronic cigarettes
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