What Researchers Did
This case report describes the treatment of a 23-year-old male scuba diver who experienced delayed and recurring pulmonary barotrauma and possible decompression sickness.
What They Found
The diver presented with symptoms 36 hours after onset and was successfully treated with U.S. Navy Treatment Table 6-A. However, symptoms recurred more than three days later, suggesting air in the nervous system, heart, and bones. A second recompression therapy using Polish Navy Treatment Tables (Method III) along with intravenous aspirin, steroids, isosorbide dinitrate, and fluids led to complete resolution of symptoms without further recurrence.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
This case highlights that symptoms of diving-related injuries like pulmonary barotrauma and decompression sickness can be delayed and may recur, even after initial hyperbaric oxygen therapy. It suggests that some complex cases might require multiple rounds of HBOT and adjunctive medications for full recovery. Canadian divers experiencing similar symptoms should seek immediate medical attention and be aware that follow-up care may be necessary.
Canadian Relevance
This study covers decompression sickness, which is a Health Canada-recognized indication for hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
Study Limitations
As a single case report, the findings from this study cannot be generalized to all patients with similar diving injuries.