Electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use, or vaping, is gaining widespread popularity among adults aged 18–35. Vaping is commercially promoted as a safer alternative to traditional cigarette smoking. Previous studies have reported a close relationship between conventional cigarette smoking and acute eosinophilic pneumonia (AEP), but only one case report to date associates vaping with AEP in a male patient. We present the first case of AEP involving a young female after use of e-cigarettes. Clinicians should consider AEP when evaluating young patients with hypoxic respiratory failure and a recent history of e-cigarette use. This case highlights the need for more research into the relationship between e-cigarettes and AEP.
A 55-year-old woman with cough-variant asthma presented for 1 month of worsening wheezing, cough, and dyspnea refractory to treatment. Initial laboratory findings revealed profound peripheral eosinophilia, and a chest computed tomography showed bi-apical consolidation. Bronchio-alveolar lavage demonstrated alveolar eosinophilia. She was diagnosed with idiopathic chronic eosinophilic pneumonia (ICEP). Her peripheral eosinophilia and respiratory symptoms improved rapidly with high-dose systemic corticosteroid therapy. However, she was intolerant to corticosteroid monotherapy due to non-compliance and psychological adverse effects. Mepolizumab was initiated as a steroid-sparing agent, resulting in successful therapy for 2 years without relapse or adverse effects. Mepolizumab is an interleukin-5 (IL-5) antagonist monoclonal antibody, which is a targeted therapy for diseases mediated by eosinophil activity and eosinophil proliferation. Mepolizumab is typically used in ICEP refractory to steroids, but this case supports its use in cases of glucocorticoid intolerance. Further study of IL-5 antagonist therapies for ICEP may identify an alternative treatment modality for patients in whom the adverse effects of corticosteroids pose a challenge.
Uncertain Etiology 3 (ISSUE-3) Investigators. Diagnosis of neurally mediated syncope at initial evaluation and with tilt table testing compared with that revealed by prolonged ECG monitoring: an analysis from the Third International Study on Syncope of Uncertain Etiology (ISSUE-3).
Three-dimensional transesophageal ultrasound of the spinal cord is a new and promising imaging modality that could easily be used clinically for real-time evaluation of the spinal cord anatomy or for intraoperative guidance.
We report a case of incidental detection of severe aortic coarctation, severe secundum atrial septal defect, and bicuspid aortic valve in an active‐duty military service member. A single complex minimally invasive procedure successfully corrected his coarctation and atrial septal defect allowing this patient to continue military service.
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