J Pediatr Intensive Care 2020; 09(02): 128-134
DOI: 10.1055/s-0039-3400961
Case Report
Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Pediatric Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome and Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis Related to E-cigarette Vaping

1   Department of Pediatrics, Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, Tulsa, Oklahoma, United States
,
Anh Lam
2   Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, Tulsa, Oklahoma, United States
› Author Affiliations
Funding None.
Further Information

Publication History

20 September 2019

29 October 2019

Publication Date:
28 November 2019 (online)

Abstract

In recent years, electronic cigarettes (e-cigs) have been falsely advertised as safe alternatives to conventional smoking. We report a case involving a 16-year-old female who presented with fever, nonproductive cough, and shortness of breath after vaping e-cig/tetrahydrocannabinol dab pen. Her symptoms rapidly deteriorated and met diagnostic criteria for pediatric acute respiratory distress syndrome. Chest radiograph revealed extensive patchy airspace disease and computed tomography scan showed bilateral ground glass opacities. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid revealed increased neutrophils, lymphocytosis, but absent eosinophilia. After the results of a comprehensive workup for infectious etiology returned negative, she was diagnosed with hypersensitivity pneumonitis and started on systemic corticosteroids.