What Researchers Did
This case report describes a 51-year-old man who developed liver injury after a scuba dive, in addition to typical neurological symptoms of decompression sickness.
What They Found
A 51-year-old man experienced neurological symptoms in his lower limbs after diving to 40 meters. Five days later, he developed severe abdominal pain and liver injury caused by air bubbles in his portal vein, confirmed by CT scan. He was treated with supportive care and hyperbaric oxygen therapy using a U.S. Navy Treatment Table 6 and fully recovered.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
Canadian divers experiencing decompression sickness should be aware that symptoms can be diverse and may include delayed abdominal pain or organ injury, not just neurological issues. This case highlights the importance of thorough medical evaluation, including imaging, for unusual or worsening symptoms following a dive. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy remains a crucial treatment for decompression sickness, even in complex cases involving internal organ damage.
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 may not apply to all patients with decompression sickness or similar injuries.