EVALI: A Diagnosis of Exclusion Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic

Patients with e-cigarette or vaping-induced lung injury (EVALI) typically have a nonspecific clinical presentation characterized by a constellation of respiratory, gastrointestinal and constitutional symptoms. However, before an EVALI diagnosis can be made, the patient must have a history of recent vaping within 90 days, other etiologies must be excluded, and opacities must be present on chest imaging. 

Imaging is important in patients with acute lung injury to ensure early detection. EVALI’s symptoms can be very similar to many other respiratory diseases — including COVID-19.

See the infographic below for information about how EVALI and COVID-19 are similar and different.

Read more about EVALI in previous RSNA News articles:

• Differentiating EVALI from COVID-19 on Imaging Proves Challenging
• Radiology Review Reports on State of Vaping Associated Lung Injury
• Study Looks at EVALI Findings in Teens