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Pulmonary oedema in healthy SCUBA divers: new physiopathological pathways
M Coulange1, P Rossi, O Gargne
1Service de Médecine Hyperbare, Pôle RUSH, Hôpital Sainte Marguerite, Marseille, France. mathieu.coulange@ap-hm.fr
Clinical Physiology and Functional Imaging
|February 10, 2010
Summary
Immersion pulmonary oedema in divers may be caused by a combination of factors including cooling and exertion. This condition, affecting healthy divers, often occurs during ascent and appears more common in women.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular and Respiratory Physiology
- Diving Medicine
- Environmental Physiology
Background:
- The exact cause of immersion pulmonary oedema (IPO) in healthy divers remains unclear.
- This study investigated IPO in divers without pre-existing cardiac conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze prospective data on IPO in divers admitted to a hyperbaric center.
- To identify contributing factors and understand the pathophysiology of IPO.
Main Methods:
- Prospective analysis of 22 divers with IPO and no cardiac disease.
- Diving conditions assessed via diving computer; clinical exams, lab tests, CT scans, and echocardiography performed.
Main Results:
- IPO occurred during ascent after dives averaging 29 minutes, often with strenuous exercise or stress.
- Dives were typically deep (37 msw) in cool water (15°C), with average inspired oxygen of 0.99 bar.
- A higher proportion of women experienced IPO compared to diving federation data.
Conclusions:
- IPO in healthy divers likely results from a combination of immersion, cooling, hyperoxia, hydrostatic pressure, and exertion.
- Findings suggest new pathophysiological insights, particularly regarding symptoms during ascent and higher incidence in women.
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