RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Neuroimaging of Diving-Related Decompression Illness: Current Knowledge and Perspectives
JF American Journal of Neuroradiology
JO Am. J. Neuroradiol.
FD American Society of Neuroradiology
SP 2039
OP 2044
DO 10.3174/ajnr.A4005
VO 35
IS 11
A1 J. Kamtchum Tatuene
A1 R. Pignel
A1 P. Pollak
A1 K.O. Lovblad
A1 A. Kleinschmidt
A1 M.I. Vargas
YR 2014
UL http://www.ajnr.org/content/35/11/2039.abstract
AB SUMMARY: Diving-related decompression illness is classified into 2 main categories: arterial gas embolism and decompression sickness. The latter is further divided into types 1 and 2, depending on the clinical presentation. MR imaging is currently the most accurate neuroimaging technique available for the detection of brain and spinal cord lesions in neurologic type 2 decompression sickness. Rapid bubble formation in tissues and the bloodstream during ascent is the basic pathophysiologic mechanism in decompression illness. These bubbles can damage the central nervous system through different mechanisms, namely arterial occlusion, venous obstruction, or in situ toxicity. Neuroimaging studies of decompression sickness have reported findings associated with each of these mechanisms: some typical results are summarized and illustrated in this article. We also review the limitations of previous work and make practical methodologic suggestions for future neuroimaging studies.