What Researchers Did
Researchers reported a case of cutaneous decompression sickness in a commercial diver with a persistent foramen ovale (PFO) after a shallow air dive with oxygen breathed during decompression.
What They Found
A 43-year-old commercial diver experienced cutaneous decompression sickness after a 17-meter, 160-minute air dive with oxygen decompression. A bubble contrast echocardiogram revealed a large atrial right-to-left shunt, which was subsequently closed using a transcatheter technique, allowing him to return to commercial diving.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
Canadian divers experiencing unexplained decompression sickness, especially after shallow dives, should consider evaluation for a persistent foramen ovale (PFO). Identifying and closing a PFO could prevent recurrent episodes and allow a safe return to diving.
Canadian Relevance
This study has no direct Canadian connection.
Study Limitations
As a single case report, the findings may not be generalizable to all divers with persistent foramen ovale.