COVID or Not COVID? A Great Mimicker Behind the Smoke Screen
Malek Ayoub, Megan Quamme, Abdul-Rahman K Abdel-Reheem, Poe Lwin
Abstract
Vaping is becoming increasingly popular as an alternative to cigarettes. However, vaping does not come without risks; electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) and vaping-associated lung injury (EVALI) is one of the most severe consequences. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and bacterial pneumonia cases often present with almost identical features. We present a case of a young man who presented with pneumonia that was initially thought to be related to COVID-19 infection but later diagnosed as EVALI. Clinicians should have a high suspicion of EVALI in patients who present with hypoxemia and negative infectious workup, particularly during the COVID-19 era. Administration of corticosteroids has shown remarkable efficacy in improving hypoxemia; however, many patients may have chronic lung injury and may require oxygen long-term. Cases of EVALI should continue to be reported and followed up long term for monitoring disease outcomes.