A therapeutically challenging case of an electronic cigarette e cig ingestion

Abstract A 29-year-old woman with a history of bipolar disorder and major depression presented with psychosis and self-reported ingestion of a foreign body “listening device”, later revealing it to be an electronic cigarette (e-cig). In discussion with the poison control center, gastroenterology was consulted for possible endoscopic removal, though no direct recommendations were presented as this was a novel case reported. A trial of passage was initially elected, however ultimately the decision was made to retrieve the object manually. The rise in popularity and availability of e-cig devices warrants a close review of management strategies and pertinent considerations. These strategies have historically focused on pulmonary injuries and solution inhalation effects. Currently, there is limited information available regarding the ingestions of e-cigs and/or their components. This case presents several situational uncertainties and the potential for adverse effects that have not been fully explored in the existing literature.