RESUMEN
We present the case of a 42-year-old female who was critically ill due to an arterial gas embolism (AGE) she experienced while diving in Maui, Hawaii. She presented with shortness of breath and dizziness shortly after surfacing from a scuba dive and then rapidly lost consciousness. The diver then had a complicated hospital course: persistent hypoxemia (likely secondary to aspiration) requiring intubation; markedly elevated creatine kinase; atrial fibrillation requiring cardioversion; and slow neurologic improvement. She had encountered significant delay in treatment due to lack of availability of local hyperbaric oxygen (HBO2) therapy. Our case illustrates many of the complications that can occur when a patient suffers a severe AGE. These cases may occur even without a history of rapid ascent or risk factors for pulmonary barotrauma, and it is imperative that they be recognized and treated as quickly as possible with HBO2. Unfortunately, our case also highlights the challenges in treating critically ill divers, particularly with the growing shortage of 24/7 hyperbaric chambers able to treat these ICU-level patients.
Asunto(s)
Buceo/efectos adversos , Embolia Aérea/terapia , Oxigenoterapia Hiperbárica , Tiempo de Tratamiento , Adulto , Diagnóstico Tardío/efectos adversos , Embolia Aérea/etiología , Urgencias Médicas , Femenino , Humanos , Hipoxia/etiología , Hipoxia/terapiaRESUMEN
Heat illness remains a large medical burden for militaries around the world. Mitigating the incidence as well as the complications of heat illness must remain on the forefront of operational planning when operating in hot environments. We report the case of a 27-year-old male U.S. Marine who sustained a heat-related illness resulting in fulminant liver failure and permanent disability. The patient was transferred from the field to a civilian hospital. On hospital day 5, liver failure was identified. The patient was transferred to a transplant center, where he successfully received a liver transplant.
Asunto(s)
Clima Desértico/efectos adversos , Golpe de Calor/complicaciones , Fallo Hepático Agudo/etiología , Fallo Hepático Agudo/cirugía , Trasplante de Hígado , Personal Militar , Adulto , Humanos , Masculino , Esfuerzo FísicoRESUMEN
INTRODUCTION: Aviation has undergone significant advancement over time; despite our best practices, injuries can still occur. Occasionally aviators will suffer from injuries of barotrauma, decompression sickness, or arterial gas embolism. The history and physical examination are important when evaluating the injury and its subsequent treatment. This article will help readers identify key components of the history and physical examination in a patient to recognize decompression sickness and arterial gas embolism. CASE REPORT: This case report is of a Naval F/A-18C pilot who demonstrated acute and delayed neurologic symptoms when his cockpit underwent four rapid decompression cycles from 11,000 to 29,000 ft (3353 to 8839 m) in a 20-s period. He was subsequently treated with hyperbaric oxygen via a standard U.S. Navy TreatmentTable 6 with complete neurological recovery as determined by his improved neurological abilities. DISCUSSION: Naval aviators are exposed to multiple stresses during flight. When injuries occur it is important to obtain a careful history and physical examination. A broad differential diagnosis, including decompression sickness, hypoxia, and arterial gas embolism, should be considered to ensure prompt and appropriate evaluation and treatment. In this case report, the pilot had acute neurological injuries concerning for arterial gas embolism or an hypoxic episode, as well as a delayed recurrence of symptoms consistent with decompression sickness.