What Researchers Did
Researchers reviewed 22 cases of lung overexpansion syndrome, also known as pulmonary barotrauma, in divers treated at a Spanish navy hyperbaric center.
What They Found
They found that lung overexpansion syndrome accounted for 10.2% of diving accidents treated, with common symptoms including changes in consciousness (54.5%), hemoptysis (27.2%), and subcutaneous emphysema (22.7%). A high percentage, 91%, of these patients recovered without lasting effects after prompt recompression treatment at 50 meters.
Canadian Relevance
This study covers diving accidents, which can include arterial gas embolism, a Health Canada-recognised indication for hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
Study Limitations
This review is limited by its retrospective nature, focusing on cases from a single hyperbaric center over a specific historical period.