Arterial Gas Embolism in Breath-Hold Diver

ABSTRACT

Gall RA, Rahimi RR. Arterial Gas Embolism in Breath-Hold Diver. Undersea Hyperb Med. 2024 First Quarter; 51(1):93-95.

An arterial gas embolism (AGE) is a potentially fatal complication of scuba diving that is related to insufficient exhalation during ascent. During breath-hold diving, an arterial gas embolism is unlikely because the volume of gas in the lungs generally cannot exceed the volume at the beginning of the dive. However, if a diver breathes from a gas source at any time during the dive, they are at risk for an AGE or other pulmonary overinflation syndromes (POIS). In this case report, a breath-hold diver suffered a suspected AGE due to rapidly ascending without exhalation following breathing from an air pocket at approximately 40 feet.

Keywords: arterial gas embolism (AGE); breath-hold diving; freediving; pulmonary barotrauma; pulmonary overinflation syndrome (POIS)

DOI:10.22464/624