Case report: Exploding electronic cigarette battery with high pressure injection type injury
Terry Le1, Rory Maher 1Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
Abstract
Fires and explosions of lithium ion batteries in electronic cigarettes have been well documented, often resulting in burns and blast injuries. Rarer are reports of high pressure type injection injuries which are more sinister and affect deeper tissue planes. Foran et al. (2017) reported a case of a high pressure injury to finger which initially appeared to be a partial thickness burn but later revealed tracking of foreign debris along the subcutaneous tissue plane and the flexor sheath. We present a case of similar but more extensive injury to the thigh, where the large majority of electronic cigarette explosions occur.
A 55 year old male presented to the Royal Melbourne Hospital in October 2022 with a right thigh burn following the explosion of his electronic cigarette battery while in his pocket. Examination of the burn deceptively appeared to be a small partial thickness burn however there was a small punctum and further debridement a high pressure injection injury that tracked along the fascia lata of the thigh and had degloved and burnt 50% of his anterolateral thigh. There was evidence of mixed thermal, chemical and pressure injury and a discussion with the Poisons Information Centre and Burns Guidelines did not yield any immediate recommendations due to the novel presentation.
This study suggests some strategies based on a review of the available literature, which can be employed for management of future cases and to update guidelines for lithium ion battery explosions.
References:
Foran, I., Oak, N.R. and Meunier, M.J., 2017. High-pressure injection injury caused by electronic cigarette explosion: a case report. JBJS case connector, 7(2), p.e36.
Biography
Terry is an unaccredited surgery registrar in Melbourne. He has an interest in hand surgery and burns