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Case Reports
. 2003 Oct 14;169(8):803-7.

High-altitude decompression illness: case report and discussion

G Michael Allan  1 , David Kenny
Affiliations
Case Reports

High-altitude decompression illness: case report and discussion

G Michael Allan et al. CMAJ. .

Erratum in

  • CMAJ. 2003 Nov 25;169(11):1149

Abstract

Decompression illness (DCI) can occur in a variety of contexts, including scuba diving and flight in nonpressurized aircraft. It is characterized by joint pain, neurologic injury, and respiratory or constitutional symptoms. To prepare flight crews for accidental decompression events, the Canadian Armed Forces regularly conducts controlled and supervised depressurization exercises in specialized chambers. We present the cases of 3 Canadian Armed Forces personnel who successfully completed such decompression exercises but experienced DCI after they took a 3-hour commercial flight 6 hours after the completion of training. All 3 patients were treated in a hyperbaric oxygen chamber. The pathophysiology, diagnosis and management of DCI and the travel implications for military personnel who have undergone such training exercises are discussed. Although DCI is relatively uncommon, physicians may see it and should be aware of its presentation and treatment.

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Figures

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Fig. 1: Eight-person hyperbaric chamber. One or more patients are monitored by inside attendant(s) and observed through a window and on video. Communication between patients and the outside chamber takes place by intercom. There is a small portal for passing medicines, food and other necessities. Usual treatment lasts 286 minutes.
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Fig. 2: Canadian hyperbaric facilities and diving medicine contact locations.
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