Lesão pulmonar aguda relacionada ao uso de cigarros eletrônicos: uma revisão integrativa de literatura

Abstract

Introduction: The use of electronic cigarettes has become increasingly prevalent, especially among young people, and has been associated with acute lung injuries, a condition known as EVALI (E-cigarette or Vaping Product Use-Associated Lung Injury). This inflammatory pulmonary syndrome, resulting from exposure to toxic substances present in device vapors, has serious impacts on respiratory health, including damage to alveolar membranes and impairment of gas exchange. Objective: This study aims to investigate acute lung injuries related to electronic cigarette use, in order to better understand the magnitude and clinical patterns of this emerging phenomenon. An integrative literature review was conducted, searching the PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Web of Science databases using health-related descriptors to identify primary studies from the last 10 years investigating acute lung injuries associated with electronic cigarette use. The analysis covered the characterization of clinical, radiological, and histopathological findings, focusing on patterns of acute lung injury and their health impacts. Results: Of the 155 initially retrieved articles, 10 were included after applying inclusion criteria, with 60% being retrospective observational studies and 30% experimental. Most studies focused on lung injuries in young patients, with radiological findings of ground-glass opacities and histopathological evidence of organizing pneumonia, highlighting the prevalence of clinicopathological studies. The analysis reveals a heterogeneous clinical profile of lung injuries associated with electronic cigarette use (EVALI), predominantly affecting young male patients, presenting respiratory symptoms such as cough and dyspnea. Discussion: Common radiological findings include ground-glass opacities and organizing pneumonia, while the use of THC and vitamin E acetate exacerbates the inflammatory response. Experimental studies in mice indicate increased susceptibility to infections and immunological alterations. Diagnosis remains clinical, with emphasis on patient history of electronic device use. Conclusion: The review highlights concerns about acute lung injuries associated with electronic cigarette use, emphasizing the need for rigorous clinical surveillance and public policies to mitigate health risks.