Diving-related Arterial Gas Embolism

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Published: Aug 30, 2023
Updated: 2023-08-30
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2023-08-30 (4)
Keywords:
arterial gas embolism Diving Recompression hyperbaric chamber pathophysiology

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Supang Tanglitanon
Resident in Preventive Medicine (Maritime Medicine), Naval Medical Department, Royal Thai Navy, Bangkok. Student in Master of Science Program (Health Research and Management), Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok
Thanasawat Chaiyakul
Division of Underwater and Aviation Medicine, Naval Medical Department, Royal Thai Navy, Bangkok

Abstract

            Diving-related Arterial Gas Embolism (AGE) is a life-threatening diving injury, often found to be the leading cause of fatalities among divers. The onset of symptoms associated with AGE occurs abruptly upon ascending to the surface or within minutes of being on the surface. The standard approach to managing AGE is recompression in a hyperbaric chamber. Thus, patients need accurate and rapid assessment, diagnosis, resuscitation, and initial treatment of AGE which is critical for optimal treatment outcomes. This review article aims to provide an overview of the pathophysiology, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diving-related AGE, with the objective of assisting medical practitioners to accurately diagnose and initially treat patients, as well as referring them for prompt recompression therapy as required.

Article Details

Issue
Vol. 50 No. 2 (2023): May - August 2023
Section
Academic Article
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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

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