Flavored Cigar Smoking Induces Acute Eosinophilic Pneumonia

Abstract

Two cases of acute eosinophilic pneumonia (AEP) following smoking of flavored cigars were analyzed for characteristic features. None of our patients had a history of smoking flavored cigars/cigarettes in the past. One of them had never smoked, and the second patient was an ex-smoker who quit 17 years ago. Both patients presented with community-acquired pneumonia-like symptoms that did not respond to treatment with antibiotics. Their chest radiographs revealed bilateral diffuse infiltrates. The diagnosis of AEP was established based on the clinical picture, BAL that revealed an average eosinophil count > 45%, and immediate clinical improvement after introducing corticosteroids. All other possible causes were excluded during the initial workup.