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Journal of Medical Case Reports
Published in: Journal of Medical Case Reports 1/2019

Open Access 01-12-2019 | Pneumothorax | Case report

Recurrent spontaneous pneumothoraces and vaping in an 18-year-old man: a case report and review of the literature

Authors: Alex Bonilla, Alexander J. Blair, Suliman M. Alamro, Rebecca A. Ward, Michael B. Feldman, Richard A. Dutko, Theodora K. Karagounis, Adam L. Johnson, Erik E. Folch, Jatin M. Vyas

Published in: Journal of Medical Case Reports | Issue 1/2019

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Abstract

Background

Primary spontaneous pneumothorax is a common disorder occurring in young adults without underlying lung disease. Although tobacco smoking is a well-documented risk factor for spontaneous pneumothorax, an association between electronic cigarette use (that is, vaping) and spontaneous pneumothorax has not been noted. We report a case of spontaneous pneumothoraces correlated with vaping.

Case presentation

An 18-year-old Caucasian man presented twice with recurrent right-sided spontaneous pneumothoraces within 2 weeks. He reported a history of vaping just prior to both episodes. Diagnostic testing was notable for a right-sided spontaneous pneumothorax on chest X-ray and computed tomography scan. His symptoms improved following insertion of a chest tube and drainage of air on each occasion. In the 2-week follow-up visit for the recurrent episode, he was asymptomatic and reported that he was no longer using electronic cigarettes.

Conclusions

Providers and patients should be aware of the potential risk of spontaneous pneumothorax associated with electronic cigarettes.
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Metadata
Title
Recurrent spontaneous pneumothoraces and vaping in an 18-year-old man: a case report and review of the literature
Authors
Alex Bonilla
Alexander J. Blair
Suliman M. Alamro
Rebecca A. Ward
Michael B. Feldman
Richard A. Dutko
Theodora K. Karagounis
Adam L. Johnson
Erik E. Folch
Jatin M. Vyas
Publication date
01-12-2019
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Journal of Medical Case Reports / Issue 1/2019
Electronic ISSN: 1752-1947
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13256-019-2215-4

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