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.
Canadian Relevance
This study covers decompression sickness, which is a Health Canada-recognised 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.