E-cigarette or vaping product use-associated lung injury in a postpartum patient: a case report
Muhammad Usman, Muhammad Uzair Mazhar, Amna Zafar, Laiba Murtaza, Abdul Basit, Jeet Dhaania, Masood AzharAbstract
Background
E-cigarette or vaping product use-associated lung injury (EVALI) is characterized by acute respiratory failure and bilateral pulmonary infiltrates. It presents a significant diagnostic challenge, particularly when it mimics common postpartum complications.
Case Presentation
We describe a 28-year-old female who developed severe hypoxemic respiratory failure four days after a normal vaginal delivery. While initial clinical suspicion focused on obstetric etiologies like flash pulmonary edema or pneumonia, the patient’s eventual disclosure of resumed vaping led to a diagnosis of EVALI. Following the administration of systemic corticosteroids, she experienced rapid and complete clinical recovery.
Conclusion
This case, one of the first cases of EVALI in the immediate postpartum period, highlights the importance of obtaining comprehensive social history, particularly in a clinical context which broadens the differential diagnosis for unexplained respiratory failure.