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Induction of Cerebral Arterial Gas Embolism in Rat
Published on: October 18, 2024
Cerebral arterial gas embolism (CAGE) during open water scuba certification training whilst practising a controlled
Neil Banham1,2, Elisabete da Silva1, John Lippmann3
1Department of Hyperbaric Medicine, Fiona Stanley Hospital, Murdoch, Australia.
Abstract:
We report the case of a 23-year-old male novice diver who sustained cerebral arterial gas embolism (CAGE) during his open water certification training whilst practising a free ascent as part of the course. He developed immediate but transient neurological symptoms that had resolved on arrival to hospital. Radiological imaging of his chest showed small bilateral pneumothoraces, pneumopericardium and pneumomediastinum. In view of this he was treated with high flow normobaric oxygen rather than recompression, because of the risk of development of tension pneumothorax upon chamber decompression. There was no relapse of his neurological symptoms with this regimen. The utility and safety of free ascent training for recreational divers is discussed, as is whether a pneumothorax should be vented prior to recompression, as well as return to diving following pulmonary barotrauma.
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