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Endomyocardial fibrosis in a scuba diving death
J O Obafunwa1, B Purdue, A Busuttil
1Department of Pathology, University Medical School, Edinburgh, Scotland.
Journal of Forensic Sciences
|September 1, 1993
Summary
A SCUBA diver drowned due to undiagnosed endomyocardial fibrosis (EMF). This condition likely caused a fatal arrhythmia underwater, highlighting the need for stricter medical screening for divers.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Diving Medicine
- Forensic Pathology
Background:
- Endomyocardial fibrosis (EMF) is a rare restrictive cardiomyopathy.
- SCUBA diving carries inherent physiological risks.
- Undiagnosed cardiac conditions can be exacerbated by underwater environments.
Observation:
- A 27-year-old amateur SCUBA diver experienced distress and drowned during a club outing.
- Autopsy revealed features consistent with drowning and severe, late-stage endomyocardial fibrosis.
- The diver's air tank had elevated carbon dioxide levels, but toxicological studies were negative.
Findings:
- Severe EMF involved the left ventricle and interventricular septum, with chronic myocarditis.
- The elevated carbon dioxide in the breathing apparatus may have contributed to the diver's distress.
- Sudden ventricular arrhythmia, precipitated by EMF, is the suspected cause of drowning.
Implications:
- This case underscores the critical importance of thorough medical evaluations for SCUBA divers.
- Early detection of conditions like EMF could prevent fatal diving accidents.
- Enhanced screening protocols are recommended for amateur divers to mitigate risks associated with undiagnosed cardiac pathologies.