Embolic Stroke Following Ingestion of Liquid Nicotine Refill Solution

Abstract

The use of e-cigarettes is gaining popularity despite knowing about cardiovascular health risks. Cases of intentional or accidental intoxication following ingestion of the refill solution are also a growing concern. Most of these cases were fatal and related to cardiac arrest and hypoxic brain injury. We report the case of a 54-year-old woman who developed bilateral acute ischemic stroke in the anterior and posterior cerebral circulation following intentional oral intake of e-liquid nicotine refill solution. The diagnostic work-up concluded an etiology of embolic stroke of undetermined source, most likely of cardiac origin. We assume that sympathetic overactivation lead to temporary cardiac arrhythmia and subsequent thrombi formation. Moreover, we discuss several additional pathogenic aspects of oral intake of e-liquid refill solution for the development of central nervous system pathology. This case expands the clinical spectrum of health hazards associated with the introduction of e-cigarettes and raises awareness of the need for preventive measures.