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Orbital subperiosteal hemorrhage while scuba diving
Isabel Gómez-Ledesma1, Enrique Mencía-Gutíerrez, Esperanza Gutiérrez-Díaz
1Department of Ophthalmology, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain.
Orbit (Amsterdam, Netherlands)
|March 11, 2006
Summary
An uncommon case of unilateral subperiosteal hemorrhage occurred in a scuba diver due to pressure changes within the diving mask. This condition resolved spontaneously without long-term visual or motility issues.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Diving Medicine
- Radiology
Background:
- Subperiosteal hemorrhage is a rare orbital condition.
- Scuba diving involves significant pressure variations that can affect the body.
Observation:
- A 31-year-old woman developed unilateral subperiosteal hemorrhage after scuba diving to 20 meters.
- Clinical examination revealed proptosis and ocular motility disturbances.
- Computed tomography (CT) scan confirmed a self-limited mass protruding into the orbit.
Findings:
- The hemorrhage resolved spontaneously without intervention.
- No visual impairment or motility sequelae were observed.
- Advanced imaging (CT, MRI, angiography) ruled out intracranial venous abnormalities.
Implications:
- Negative pressure within an improperly equilibrated diving mask can cause orbital vessel rupture.
- This mechanism may lead to subperiosteal hemorrhage and associated symptoms.
- Excluding underlying vascular abnormalities is crucial, particularly with a family history.