Pulmonary Langerhans cell histiocytosis in a young adult with a history of vaping and smoking: A case report
Abstract
Pulmonary Langerhans cell histiocytosis (PLCH) is a rare interstitial lung disease characterized by the proliferation of Langerhans cells, typically associated with smoking. It accounts for 3%-5% of adult diffuse lung diseases, although the true prevalence may be higher due to asymptomatic cases and diagnostic challenges. Recently, e-cigarette use (vaping) has emerged as a potential contributing factor in PLCH. We report the case of an 18-year-old male with a history of heavy nicotine vaping and prior light smoking who presented with pneumothorax and diffuse cystic lung lesions. Lung biopsy confirmed PLCH through CD1a and S100 positivity. Smoking cessation led to symptomatic and functional improvement, although long-term outcomes remain uncertain. This case highlights vaping as a possible risk factor for PLCH, distinct from traditional smoking, and underscores the need for further research into vaping-related pulmonary diseases. A multidisciplinary approach is essential for the diagnosis and management of PLCH.
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a case report, done in people. Its evidence level is 5 of 5 (Very low · case / narrative / animal / in vitro / in silico). Case reports, narrative reviews, and animal, cell or computer-model studies give the weakest evidence for human health.
Read the paper
Related studies
- Tobacco and COPD: presenting the World Health Organization (WHO) Tobacco Knowledge Summary
- Comparative effects of e-cigarette smoking on periodontal status, salivary pH, and cotinine levels
- Association between exposure to environmental pollutants and increased oral health risks, a comprehensive review
- Influence of gestational window on offspring vascular health in rodents with in utero exposure to electronic cigarettes
- Natural products as kinase inhibitors in lung cancer: molecular mechanisms, therapeutic potential, and clinical trials
- Nicotine in electronic cigarettes
Go deeper in Evidence Hub
Evidence Hub adds a study data sheet (design, sample size, evidence level, key numbers), an AI summary and a chat grounded in the paper's text.