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Ventricular dysrhythmia associated with serious decompression sickness
Annals of Emergency Medicine
|November 1, 1980
Summary
This case study details treating frequent premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) in a diver with decompression sickness using lidocaine during recompression. The treatment appeared safe and effective, with no adverse effects noted in the hyperbaric environment.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Diving Medicine
- Hyperbaric Medicine
Background:
- Decompression sickness (DCS) can present with serious complications.
- Cardiac arrhythmias, such as premature ventricular contractions (PVCs), are a potential concern in DCS patients.
Observation:
- A patient with severe DCS experienced frequent, unifocal PVCs.
- Continuous lidocaine infusion was administered during recompression therapy for PVC management.
- No cardiac monitoring was available during the treatment period.
Findings:
- Lidocaine infusion appeared to effectively manage the PVCs in the DCS patient.
- No adverse side effects were observed from lidocaine administration in the hyperbaric oxygen environment.
- This suggests potential utility of lidocaine in managing cardiac issues during hyperbaric exposure.
Implications:
- Lidocaine may be a viable option for treating dysrhythmia in patients undergoing hyperbaric treatment for DCS.
- Further research is warranted to confirm the safety and efficacy of lidocaine in hyperbaric conditions.
- This case highlights the importance of considering cardiac complications in severe DCS.