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Pulmonary edema associated with scuba diving : case reports and review
Chest
|November 20, 2001
Summary
Cold-water immersion can cause acute pulmonary edema in scuba divers. This condition, marked by breathing difficulties and low oxygen, resolved with treatment, and some divers returned to diving.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Diving Medicine
Background:
- Cold-water immersion is a known risk factor for acute pulmonary edema.
- This condition has been observed in swimmers and divers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report on cases of acute pulmonary edema in scuba divers.
- To discuss potential mechanisms and contributing factors.
Main Methods:
- Case series of eight scuba divers.
- Clinical presentation, radiographic findings, and treatment outcomes were analyzed.
Main Results:
- All eight divers developed acute pulmonary edema in cold water.
- Symptoms included dyspnea and hypoxemia, with characteristic chest X-ray findings.
- All divers recovered fully, and three resumed diving without recurrence.
Conclusions:
- Scuba diving in cold water poses a risk for acute pulmonary edema.
- The condition appears multifactorial, potentially involving constitutional factors.
- Physicians should recognize and consider this underreported issue in divers.
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