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Case report: tracheobronchial diverticulum, a potential risk for diving?
Long Qing1, Yan Wang1, Meng Zhang1
1Department of Naval Diving Medicine, Naval Medical Center, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China.
Frontiers in Medicine
|January 26, 2024
Summary
This case report highlights tracheobronchial diverticulum (TBD) in a SCUBA diver. While asymptomatic, TBD poses potential diving risks due to barotrauma concerns.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Diving Medicine
- Radiology
Background:
- Tracheobronchial diverticulum (TBD) is a rare, asymptomatic, benign cystic lesion of the airway.
- No established guidelines exist for assessing diving fitness in individuals with TBD.
Observation:
- A healthy 26-year-old professional SCUBA diver was incidentally diagnosed with TBD via CT scan.
- High-resolution CT suggested a possible opening, but bronchoscopy did not visualize one, indicating a likely "dead cavity".
Findings:
- The diver had no prior symptoms or diving-related injuries despite extensive SCUBA experience.
- The potential communication of the TBD with the airway remained uncertain after imaging and bronchoscopy.
Implications:
- Air-containing lesions like TBD are considered relative contraindications for diving due to theoretical barotrauma risks (e.g., pneumomediastinum, arterial gas embolism).
- Divers with TBD should exercise caution, particularly avoiding rapid ascents during decompression.
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