Case report of methemoglobinemia after using e-cigarettes

Background: Despite a drastic increase among smokers using e-cigarette products in an attempt to wean off more harmful combustible cigarettes, there is no clear evidence promoting the use of e-cigarettes as a cessation device nor understanding of the potential risks and benefits of these products, as per the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Case presentation: This case has an unusual presentation of methemoglobinemia in the emergency department for the same patient twice, immediately after using e-cigarettes/vapes on two separate occasions.

Results: There is a possible association between e-cigarette use and methemoglobinemia. The aforementioned patient was successfully treated with the ordinary management for methemoglobinemia: methylene blue and supportive care.

Conclusion: E-cigarette use has many unrecognized and possibly fatal complications. Based on our observations, we recommend a further clinical trial to study e-cigarettes as a causation factor for methemoglobinemia.