Stomach rupture as a result of gastrointestinal barotrauma in a SCUBA diver

Abstract

A single case of operatively proven spontaneous rupture of a normal stomach secondary to diving barotrauma is reported. The rupture was linear and located along the lesser curvature, as described most commonly in adults. Possible mechanisms to explain the closed loop obstruction required to produce this phenomenon are the swallowing of water and filling of the stomach with air, while trapped under water, at a depth of 27 meters. To the best of the authors' knowledge this case represents the first report of gastric rupture secondary to SCUBA (self-contained underwater breathing apparatus) diving. The presence of a normal abdominal examination by an experienced observed while compressed in the chamber does not preclude the diagnosis of a perforated viscus.