Chronic Vaping Related Tracheomalacia (TM): A Case of Vaping Induced Altered Innate Immunity that Culminated in Severe TM

Tracheomalacia (TM) is a weakness of the trachea either due to impaired cartilage integrity or atrophy of muscular elastic fibers. We present the first-ever case of chronic vaping induced altered immunological defenses that led to frequent pulmonary infections, ultimately culminating in severe TM which we successfully treated with positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy. A 53-year-old male presented with hypoxia and pneumonia refractory to outpatient antibiotics and steroids. He underwent bronchoscopy which showed severe TM, prompting transfer to our institution. He started vaping seven years ago and noted frequent bronchitis requiring antibiotics and steroids along with 10 life-time surgeries. He underwent repeat bronchoscopy noting TM, worst 3 cm above the carina and extending 4 cm proximally. The lesion was deemed not suitable for stenting, so PAP therapy was initiated. Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) confirmed 40% alveolar macrophages positive for lipid in Oil-O-Red stain consistent with EVALI. He tolerated PAP therapy with significant improvement in his ground glass opacities (GGO) and TM on subsequent imaging. TM is generally defined as >50% narrowing in the sagittal diameter. It is often further characterized into primary (congenital) or secondary (acquired) causes. Notable secondary causes include postintubation, chronic infection/bronchitis, chronic inflammation, and frequent steroid exposure -- all present in this case. Furthermore, there is existing literature that chronic inflammation due to irritants like cigarette smoke may be an important contributor to the development of TM. However, such data are lacking for EVALI. Our patient started experiencing repeated bronchitis episodes after he started vaping, leading to chronic inflammation and frequent antibiotics/steroids. Given his additional risk factor of multiple surgeries, this case not only presents a perfect storm for TM, but also a novel manifestation of EVALI. This case, to our knowledge, is the first-ever manifestation of EVALI presenting with TM. Management with PAP therapy helped avoid major surgery.