Vaping-Associated Pneumothorax: A Systematic Review of Case Reports and Case Series

<i>Background and Objectives</i>: Pneumothorax is a medical condition characterized by the accumulation of air in the pleural cavity, leading to lung collapse. While cigarette smoking is a well-known risk factor, the role of electronic cigarettes is less understood. This systematic revie...

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Main Authors: Moneeb Al-Taj, Alameen Alsabbah, Tariq Ma’ali, Mohammad Abu Suilik, Jehad Feras AlSamhori, Ahmad Alloubani, Ali Madha, Anita V. Goyal, Abeer Gharaibeh
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-03-01
Series:Medicina
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/1648-9144/61/3/537
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author Moneeb Al-Taj
Alameen Alsabbah
Tariq Ma’ali
Mohammad Abu Suilik
Jehad Feras AlSamhori
Ahmad Alloubani
Ali Madha
Anita V. Goyal
Abeer Gharaibeh
author_facet Moneeb Al-Taj
Alameen Alsabbah
Tariq Ma’ali
Mohammad Abu Suilik
Jehad Feras AlSamhori
Ahmad Alloubani
Ali Madha
Anita V. Goyal
Abeer Gharaibeh
author_sort Moneeb Al-Taj
collection DOAJ
description <i>Background and Objectives</i>: Pneumothorax is a medical condition characterized by the accumulation of air in the pleural cavity, leading to lung collapse. While cigarette smoking is a well-known risk factor, the role of electronic cigarettes is less understood. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the outcomes of vaping-associated pneumothorax, in addition to its clinical features and management strategies, by compiling published case reports and case series. <i>Materials and Methods</i>: The choice to use case reports and case series was due to the limited availability of other types of studies on this emerging condition, as vaping-associated pneumothorax is relatively rare and primarily reported in isolated cases. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, we conducted a systematic search of six databases for case reports and case series. Data extraction and quality assessment were performed independently by multiple reviewers. <i>Results</i>: Seven case reports and four case series with a total number of 16 patients were included. Most patients were young, underweight men who presented with chest pain and shortness of breath. Conventional cigarette and cannabis use were commonly reported alongside vaping. The main treatment was the insertion of a chest tube, with surgical interventions reserved for severe cases. Patients who were treated non-surgically exhibited a higher recurrence rate. Additionally, specific symptoms such as chest pain radiating to the ipsilateral shoulder were associated with a higher recurrence rate. <i>Conclusions</i>: Clinicians should be vigilant for pneumothorax in at-risk individuals, consider targeted screening for symptomatic vapers, and prioritize early surgical intervention in recurrent cases to reduce complications. Further research is needed to understand the pathophysiology of vaping-associated spontaneous pneumothorax and optimal management strategies.
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spelling doaj-art-86dae7271f7044d18db7355c50bd11972025-08-20T03:43:14ZengMDPI AGMedicina1010-660X1648-91442025-03-0161353710.3390/medicina61030537Vaping-Associated Pneumothorax: A Systematic Review of Case Reports and Case SeriesMoneeb Al-Taj0Alameen Alsabbah1Tariq Ma’ali2Mohammad Abu Suilik3Jehad Feras AlSamhori4Ahmad Alloubani5Ali Madha6Anita V. Goyal7Abeer Gharaibeh8Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid 22110, JordanCenter for Cognition and Neuroethics, University of Michigan-Flint, Flint, MI 48502, USAFaculty of Medicine, Yarmouk University, Irbid 21163, JordanFaculty of Medicine, Yarmouk University, Irbid 21163, JordanSchool of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, JordanCenter for Cognition and Neuroethics, University of Michigan-Flint, Flint, MI 48502, USAInsight Research Institute, Flint, MI 48507, USADepartment of Emergency Medicine, Insight Hospital and Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60616, USAInsight Research Institute, Flint, MI 48507, USA<i>Background and Objectives</i>: Pneumothorax is a medical condition characterized by the accumulation of air in the pleural cavity, leading to lung collapse. While cigarette smoking is a well-known risk factor, the role of electronic cigarettes is less understood. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the outcomes of vaping-associated pneumothorax, in addition to its clinical features and management strategies, by compiling published case reports and case series. <i>Materials and Methods</i>: The choice to use case reports and case series was due to the limited availability of other types of studies on this emerging condition, as vaping-associated pneumothorax is relatively rare and primarily reported in isolated cases. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, we conducted a systematic search of six databases for case reports and case series. Data extraction and quality assessment were performed independently by multiple reviewers. <i>Results</i>: Seven case reports and four case series with a total number of 16 patients were included. Most patients were young, underweight men who presented with chest pain and shortness of breath. Conventional cigarette and cannabis use were commonly reported alongside vaping. The main treatment was the insertion of a chest tube, with surgical interventions reserved for severe cases. Patients who were treated non-surgically exhibited a higher recurrence rate. Additionally, specific symptoms such as chest pain radiating to the ipsilateral shoulder were associated with a higher recurrence rate. <i>Conclusions</i>: Clinicians should be vigilant for pneumothorax in at-risk individuals, consider targeted screening for symptomatic vapers, and prioritize early surgical intervention in recurrent cases to reduce complications. Further research is needed to understand the pathophysiology of vaping-associated spontaneous pneumothorax and optimal management strategies.https://www.mdpi.com/1648-9144/61/3/537pneumothoraxspontaneous pneumothoraxvapingelectronic cigaretteschest pain
spellingShingle Moneeb Al-Taj
Alameen Alsabbah
Tariq Ma’ali
Mohammad Abu Suilik
Jehad Feras AlSamhori
Ahmad Alloubani
Ali Madha
Anita V. Goyal
Abeer Gharaibeh
Vaping-Associated Pneumothorax: A Systematic Review of Case Reports and Case Series
Medicina
pneumothorax
spontaneous pneumothorax
vaping
electronic cigarettes
chest pain
title Vaping-Associated Pneumothorax: A Systematic Review of Case Reports and Case Series
title_full Vaping-Associated Pneumothorax: A Systematic Review of Case Reports and Case Series
title_fullStr Vaping-Associated Pneumothorax: A Systematic Review of Case Reports and Case Series
title_full_unstemmed Vaping-Associated Pneumothorax: A Systematic Review of Case Reports and Case Series
title_short Vaping-Associated Pneumothorax: A Systematic Review of Case Reports and Case Series
title_sort vaping associated pneumothorax a systematic review of case reports and case series
topic pneumothorax
spontaneous pneumothorax
vaping
electronic cigarettes
chest pain
url https://www.mdpi.com/1648-9144/61/3/537
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