Name
ARTERIAL GAS EMBOLISM
DESCRIPTION
DETAIL
* Arterial gas embolism is the most serious and rapidly fatal of all SCUBA diving injuries DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS: - Decompression sicknessβ’ Hematocrit - increased indicating volume depletion β’ Serum creatine kinase - elevated serum level, a marker for size and severity of arterial gas embolism
TYPENOTES
GENERAL MEASURES β’ Immediate transport to a suitable hyperbaric chamber for recompression as soon as possible; do not delay with nonessential procedures. β’ Transport by aircraft is justifi able if it will save a significant amount of time (aircraft must fl y at low altitudes or be capable of maintaining cabin pressure at about one atmosphere) β’ Life-saving measures (CPR) must take precedence to sustain life β’ Administration of high flow maximum concentration oxygen therapy by a tight fi tting mask or by intubation and mechanical ventilation during transport β’ Keep patient in recumbent position while maintaining airway β’ Maintain hydration with IV fl uids PATIENT MONITORING β’ Frequent neurological checks in the acute pre-treatment and treatment phase β’ Complete neurological assessment at one, three, six and twelve months PREVENTION/AVOIDANCE β’ Strict adherence to diver safety protocols, especially including the buddy system β’ No diving after any dive injury or with any medical condition until evaluated and approved by a physician knowledgeable in diving medicine POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS β’ Long term serious neurologic impairments β’ Death EXPECTED COURSE/PROGNOSIS β’ Complete to partial resolution with adequate treatment
RELATED DISEASE
Not Available Disease
DISEASE
INVESTIGATION
CPK ( MALE ), CPK ( FEMALE ), COMPLETE BLOOD COUNT, ECG