Case Report Undersea Hyperb Med 2025

Arterial Gas Embolism after breath-hold diving. An interesting case report in Greece

Athanasiou K, Sotiropoulos G, Kalentzos V — Undersea Hyperb Med, 2025

View Original on PubMed PMID 41223385

Tier 2, Indexed

Automatically imported from PubMed based on relevance criteria.

Summary

What Researchers Did

Clinicians reported a case of arterial gas embolism (AGE) causing neurological injury and bilateral pneumothorax in a 20-year-old breath-hold diver, documenting the treatment approach and recovery.

What They Found

The diver developed hemiparesis, reduced visual acuity, subcutaneous emphysema, and bilateral pneumothoraces after breath-hold diving. After pneumothorax management, HBOT combined with medication led to complete neurological resolution within one week.

Canadian Relevance

Arterial gas embolism is an OHIP-covered indication for HBOT in Ontario. Canadian divers experiencing neurological symptoms after any diving activity should call 911 immediately.

Study Limitations

This is a single case report; outcomes in individual cases cannot be generalized to predict results in other patients with AGE.

This plain-language summary is generated with AI assistance and checked against the source abstract before publication. See our editorial policy.

Was this summary helpful?

Study Details

Study Type	Case Report
Category	Neurological
Source	Pubmed
PubMed ID	41223385
Year Published	2025
Journal	Undersea Hyperb Med
MeSH Terms	Humans; Male; Embolism, Air; Diving; Hyperbaric Oxygenation; Breath Holding; Young Adult; Greece; Mediastinal Emphysema; Subcutaneous Emphysema; Pneumothorax; Paresis; Barotrauma

Related Research

PLoS ONE | 2013 RCT

Hyperbaric oxygen induces late neuroplasticity in post stroke patients--randomized, prospective trial.

Efrati S, Fishlev G, Bechor Y, et al.

J Neurotrauma | 2018 Systematic Review

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy in the treatment of acute severe traumatic brain injury: a systematic review

Daly S, Thorpe M, Rockswold S, et al.

J Neurotrauma | 2012 Pilot Study

A phase I study of low-pressure hyperbaric oxygen therapy for blast-induced post-concussion syndrome and PTSD

Harch PG, Andrews SR, Fogarty EF, et al.

Scientific Reports | 2022 RCT

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy improves neurocognitive functions and symptoms of post-COVID condition: randomized controlled trial.

Hadanny A, Zilberman-Itskovich S, Catalogna M, et al.

PLoS ONE | 2013 RCT

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy can improve post concussion syndrome years after mild traumatic brain injury — randomized prospective trial

Boussi-Gross R, Golan H, Fishlev G, et al.

See all Neurological research

View on PubMed Back to Research Library

Discuss with a qualified healthcare professional. Then: Review Coverage Guide View Recognised Conditions

Disclaimer: This study summary is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice. The information presented reflects the findings of the original research authors and may not represent the views of Canada Hyperbarics. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making treatment decisions.

Last reviewed: March 19, 2026 | Reviewed by: Canada Hyperbarics Editorial Team | Editorial process | Research sources | Counts & methodology