Key result
PFO linked to unexplained cerebral DCS and brain white spots in sport divers.
Why the study?
Does the presence of a Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) increase the risk of unexplained cerebral decompression sickness and asymptomatic brain lesions in sport divers?
Cross-Sectional
Does the presence of a Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) increase the risk of unexplained cerebral decompression sickness and asymptomatic brain lesions in sport divers?
The presence of a PFO in sport divers is associated with an increased risk of unexplained cerebral decompression sickness and asymptomatic brain lesions.
Supports PFO evaluation in symptomatic divers; leaves open whether closure reduces events in prospective trials.
The prevalence of Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) is an increasing risk factor for paradoxical cerebral embolism. Decompression Sickness (DCS) results from gas coming out of solution in the bodily fluids and tissues when a diver ascends too quickly. This occurs because decreasing pressure lowers the solubility of gas in liquid. Also, the expansion of gas in the lungs may lead to alveolar rupture which may, in turn, result in Arterial Gas Embolism (AGE). The amount of nitrogen that diffuses into the bodily tissues during a dive depends on the depth of the dive and the duration of exposure. PFO acquires significance in various congenital heart diseases leading to right to left shunt and thus to paradoxical embolism. The presence of asymptomatic brain lesion like "spots" has been investigated in a randomized population of diving individuals. The partial pressure of the gas can be calculated by Henry's Law and the pressure of the blood stream can be calculated by Poiseuille's Law. The statistical comparison of the fractal dimension was obtained by means of Box Counting Method with slope analysis. We observe that PFO plays a significant role in the occurrence of unexplained cerebral DCS and white spots in the brain.
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Jayalalitha et al. (2010) conducted a cross-sectional in Decompression Sickness (DCS) and Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO). Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) was evaluated on Occurrence of unexplained cerebral DCS and white spots in the brain. Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) was found to play a significant role in the occurrence of unexplained cerebral decompression sickness and white spots in the brain among sport divers.
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