Bronchiectasis Associated with Electronic Cigarette Use: A Case Series

Bronchiectasis (BE) is defined as a permanent, irreversible dilation of the bronchial tree. In the pediatric population, this disease process is most commonly associated with patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). However, bronchiectasis unrelated to cystic fibrosis is increasingly noted as a cause of chronic respiratory related morbidity worldwide. Chronic inflammation and recurrent infection result in cellular cascades that lead to irreversible structural changes of the airways. When these architectural changes occur, they confer extensive risks to morbidity usually due to continued infections. In the adult population, bronchiectasis has been associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, which is mainly caused by cigarette smoking. In this report, the authors reviewed various cases of bronchiectasis in the pediatric population at our institution. After a comprehensive case by case review, we compiled details of 3 cases of newly diagnosed bronchiectasis where the most likely inciting factor was the electronic cigarette use. Common features of the three cases included at least a year of e-cigarette use with conjunction of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and radiologic findings of bronchiectasis, ground glass opacities, and nodule formation. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.