Arterial Gas Embolism after breath-hold diving. An interesting case report in Greece

Pulmonary overinflation syndrome (POIS) is a group of barotrauma-related conditions caused by the expansion of gas trapped in the lung or over-pressurization of the lung with subsequent overexpansion and rupture of the alveolar air sacs. We report a case in which neurological sequelae (arterial gas embolism-AGE) and pneumothorax occurred after breath-hold diving. Treatment with Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBO₂) led to resolution.

A 20-year-old male diver was transferred to the Athens Naval Hospital with symptoms after breath-hold diving. He developed neurological deficits presenting as reduced visual acuity and hemiparesis, along with subcutaneous emphysema, pneumomediastinum, and bilateral pneumothoraces. The treatment strategy involved initial management of the pneumothorax, followed by HBO₂ combined with medication to resolve the neurological injury. The patient's clinical improvement was remarkable a week later, and he was discharged.