CTICasesPulmonary barotrauma and air embolism
Imaging findings
Chest CT in a scuba diver who surfaced rapidly shows extensive pneumomediastinum, pulmonary interstitial emphysema, and bilateral crazy-paving pattern with dependent consolidations, associated with multiple cerebral infarctions from systemic air embolism.
Key takeaways
Rapid ascent during diving can cause alveolar rupture from barotrauma, presenting as pneumomediastinum and pulmonary interstitial emphysema. Alveolar-capillary barrier disruption allows air to enter the pulmonary veins, leading to systemic air embolization and stroke.
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