E-cigarette or vaping product use-associated lung injury in a postpartum patient: a case report.

BACKGROUND: E-cigarette or vaping product use-associated lung injury (EVALI) is characterized by acute respiratory failure and bilateral pulmonary infiltrates. It presents a significant diagnostic challenge, particularly when it mimics common postpartum complications. CASE PRESENTATION: We describe a 28-year-old female who developed severe hypoxemic respiratory failure four days after a normal vaginal delivery. While initial clinical suspicion focused on obstetric etiologies like flash pulmonary edema or pneumonia, the patient's eventual disclosure of resumed vaping led to a diagnosis of EVALI. Following the administration of systemic corticosteroids, she experienced rapid and complete clinical recovery. CONCLUSION: This case, one of the first cases of EVALI in the immediate postpartum period, highlights the importance of obtaining comprehensive social history, particularly in a clinical context which broadens the differential diagnosis for unexplained respiratory failure.