Decompression sickness (DCS), known informally as “the bends,” is a condition caused by compression Compression Blunt Chest Trauma and decompression of gases contained in the body during descent and rapid ascent while diving. Clinical presentation Presentation The position or orientation of the fetus at near term or during obstetric labor, determined by its relation to the spine of the mother and the birth canal. The normal position is a vertical, cephalic presentation with the fetal vertex flexed on the neck. Normal and Abnormal Labor of DCS may be nonspecific and variable Variable Variables represent information about something that can change. The design of the measurement scales, or of the methods for obtaining information, will determine the data gathered and the characteristics of that data. As a result, a variable can be qualitative or quantitative, and may be further classified into subgroups. Types of Variables, with a time of onset that can vary from immediately to 12 hours after surfacing. Diagnosis is made clinically. Management is early supportive therapy and hyperbaric recompression treatment carried out in a specialized facility.
Last updated: 14 Mar, 2022
Decompression sickness (DCS) comprises varied symptoms caused by gas bubbles that come out of solution in the body after ascending from a deep dive.
Based on severity of symptoms and location of gas bubbles:
Neurologic: cerebral |
|
---|---|
Neurologic: spinal |
|
Neurologic: vestibulocochlear |
|
Neurologic: peripheral | Patchy nondermatomal sensory Sensory Neurons which conduct nerve impulses to the central nervous system. Nervous System: Histology disturbance |
Musculoskeletal | Joint pain Pain An unpleasant sensation induced by noxious stimuli which are detected by nerve endings of nociceptive neurons. Pain: Types and Pathways (“the bends”) |
Ocular |
|
Pulmonary | |
Cardiovascular |
|
Cutaneous |
|
Lymphatic | Soft tissue Soft Tissue Soft Tissue Abscess edema Edema Edema is a condition in which excess serous fluid accumulates in the body cavity or interstitial space of connective tissues. Edema is a symptom observed in several medical conditions. It can be categorized into 2 types, namely, peripheral (in the extremities) and internal (in an organ or body cavity). Edema |
Constitutional | Fatigue Fatigue The state of weariness following a period of exertion, mental or physical, characterized by a decreased capacity for work and reduced efficiency to respond to stimuli. Fibromyalgia and malaise Malaise Tick-borne Encephalitis Virus |
Diagnosis is based on:
A 61‐year‐old experienced male diver presenting with a diagnosis of DCS:
(A) MRI of the head showing multiple cerebral thromboembolisms.
(B) CT scan of the chest 6 hours after the first symptoms showing multiple pulmonary thromboembolisms of the segmental
arteries
Arteries
Arteries are tubular collections of cells that transport oxygenated blood and nutrients from the heart to the tissues of the body. The blood passes through the arteries in order of decreasing luminal diameter, starting in the largest artery (the aorta) and ending in the small arterioles. Arteries are classified into 3 types: large elastic arteries, medium muscular arteries, and small arteries and arterioles.
Arteries: Histology.
Follow‐up CT scans of the chest 9 hours later: no pulmonary
thromboembolism
Thromboembolism
Obstruction of a blood vessel (embolism) by a blood clot (thrombus) in the blood stream.
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus of the same segmental
arteries
Arteries
Arteries are tubular collections of cells that transport oxygenated blood and nutrients from the heart to the tissues of the body. The blood passes through the arteries in order of decreasing luminal diameter, starting in the largest artery (the aorta) and ending in the small arterioles. Arteries are classified into 3 types: large elastic arteries, medium muscular arteries, and small arteries and arterioles.
Arteries: Histology.
The main goal of therapy is to dissolve bubbles and recompress gas in body fluids.
The following conditions greatly increase the likelihood of developing decompression sickness: