Recurrent Decompression Sickness and Late Repermeabilization of Patent Foramen Oval Closure Prosthesis: a Diver's Dilemma-case Report

Overview

Journal Eur Heart J Case Rep

Publisher Oxford University Press

Specialty Cardiology & Vascular Diseases

Date 2024 Aug 22

PMID 39171132

Authors

Antoine Deney

Olivier Lairez

Mathieu Coulange

Beatrice Riu

Jennifer Hunt

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Background: Decompression sickness (DCS) is a well-known risk associated with scuba diving, particularly in people with right-to-left shunt, such as patent foramen oval (PFO). Herein, we present a unique case of late PFO permeabilization after closure.

Case Summary: A 26-year-old male diver was diagnosed with DCS following a dive at 36 m. He underwent PFO closure with a STARFLEX® prosthesis. Ten years later, the patient was presented with recurrent manifestations suggestive of DCS. The performed diagnostic work-up detects a permeabilization of the implanted prosthesis, and he was treated with a conservative approach.

Discussion: This case highlights the challenges in the management of PFO in divers and raises concerns about the long-term efficiency of PFO closure and the impact of diving-related factors on prosthesis patency.

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