Fatal air embolism in a breath-hold diver.

Abstract

Cerebral arterial gas embolism (CAGE) from breath-holding or inadequate exhalation during ascent is a well-recognised complication of scuba diving. It does not usually occur with breath-hold (BH) diving in those with normal lungs, as the volume of gas in the lungs on surfacing cannot exceed what it was on leaving the surface. However, a BH diver who breathes from a compressed gas supply at depth essentially becomes a scuba diver and is at risk of pulmonary barotrauma (PBt) and CAGE on ascent. In this case, a 26-year-old male experienced BH diver breathed from a scuba set at approximately 10 metres' sea water depth and ascended, sustaining massive PBt and CAGE with a fatal outcome. BH and scuba divers, especially those with less experience, need to be well-informed about this potential risk.