What Researchers Did
Researchers conducted a retrospective review of a database containing 75 SCUBA divers over a 10-year period to investigate the impact of patent foramen ovale (PFO) on decompression illness (DCI) presentation.
What They Found
They found that major decompression illness (DCI) was significantly more common in divers with patent foramen ovale (PFO) (18/1,000) compared to those without (3/1,000, p=0.02). Divers with DCI and PFO also required a longer course of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) (p=0.038), and the odds ratio of PFO being present with major DCI symptoms was 3.2 (p=0.02).
What This Means for Canadian Patients
Canadian SCUBA divers experiencing unexpected decompression illness (DCI) with major symptoms should consider screening for patent foramen ovale (PFO) if they plan to continue diving. Identifying PFO could inform treatment decisions and potentially prevent more severe DCI episodes.
Canadian Relevance
This study has no direct Canadian connection.
Study Limitations
The study's retrospective design and relatively small sample size of 75 divers may limit the generalizability of its findings.