PC1143: Vaping Induced Severe Erosive Esophagitis

Introduction: Esophagitis can be attributed to several etiologies including gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), caustic ingestion, medication or pill induced, radiotherapy, infectious or eosinophilic disease. Despite the different potential causes for esophagitis, the clinical presentation remains similar and includes chest pain, odynophagia, or dysphagia, and possible food impaction. There are also new consumer items on the market which can cause harmful side effects, including erosive esophagitis.

Case Description: In this case we present an otherwise healthy teenage male with a history of daily vape usage with a clinical presentation of odynophagia, who was subsequently diagnosed with vaping associated esophagitis. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy showed Pediatric Grade 3 (circumferential erosive or exudative lesions) esophagitis with bleeding found throughout the entire esophagus. Histopathology and immunohistochemical stains were negative.

Discussion: Electronic cigarettes, originally marketed as a smoking cessation tool, have taken a huge turn in their marketing audience, and are now focused on targeting adolescents and young adults . There is currently little to no data available on the occurrence of vaping associated esophagitis, particularly in adolescents.

Conclusion: In this case we report a rare and poorly studied gastrointestinal complication of e-cigarette and vaping use. Further evaluation and research into the possible long-term side effects and complications that can arise from the use of electronic cigarettes is still warranted.