Echocardiography – techniques and pitfalls whilst diagnosing persistent (patent) foramen ovale as a risk factor in divers with a history of decompression sickness
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Published:2021-03-31
Issue:1
Volume:51
Page:98-102
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ISSN:1833-3516
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Container-title:Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine Journal
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language:
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Short-container-title:Diving Hyperb Med
Author:
Azzopardi Charles P, ,Magri Kurt,Borg Alex,Schembri Jake,Sammut Jonathan, , , ,
Abstract
The case of a diver with a history of decompression sickness (DCS) after recreational scuba diving is presented. Cutis marmorata, a subtype of cutaneous DCS, has been consistently associated with the presence of a persistent (patent) foramen ovale (PFO) as a risk factor. Diagnostic uncertainty arose when transthoracic echocardiography with antecubital injection of agitated saline bubbles (ASBs) did not show any significant shunt, but the presence of a large Eustachian valve was counteracted by intra-femoral injection of ASBs, showing a large PFO with spontaneous shunting. The importance of proper echocardiography techniques prior to resorting to intra-femoral injection of ASBs to counteract the haemodynamic effects of the Eustachian valve is emphasised.
Publisher
Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine Journal
Subject
Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health
Cited by
1 articles.
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