Challenges in Diagnosing Vaping-Associated Acute Lung Injury During the
COVID-19 Pandemic
- Montreh Tavakkoli,
- Nabeel Wahid,
- Carly Borinsky,
- Dennis Toy,
- Tanping Wong
Nabeel Wahid
NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center
Author ProfileCarly Borinsky
NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center
Author ProfileDennis Toy
NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center
Author ProfileTanping Wong
NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center
Author ProfileAbstract
We encountered a 34-year-old man with a significant vaping history who
presented with acute hypoxic respiratory failure, headaches and
gastrointestinal symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on his
laboratory and chest CT findings, we had a high clinical suspicion for
COVID-19 and EVALI, yet distinguishing the diagnoses proved challenging.
His SARS-CoV-2 nasopharyngeal PCR swabs were negative. However, this
test has a low sensitivity. COVID-19 serology testing was negative, and
the patient was ultimately diagnosed with EVALI based on subtle chest CT
findings. To our knowledge, this is the first paper highlighting the
similarities and distinguishing features of EVALI and COVID-19 acute
lung injury.