What Researchers Did
Researchers presented a case study of a commercial diver who developed cutis marmorata after a dive and underwent echocardiography.
What They Found
A 39-year-old male commercial diver developed cutis marmorata post-dive and recovered after hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Echocardiography revealed an atrial septal aneurysm and a large shunt, suggesting a strong association between cutis marmorata in divers and a patent foramen ovale or atrial septal defect.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
Canadian divers experiencing cutis marmorata should be evaluated for a patent foramen ovale (PFO) or atrial septal defect (ASD). Identifying these shunts is crucial for preventing more severe decompression sickness and informing future diving decisions.
Canadian Relevance
This study has no specific Canadian connection.
Study Limitations
A major limitation of this study is its reliance on a single case report, which limits the generalizability of its findings.