Active-Duty Sailor Develops PFO-Associated Decompression Sickness: Do Occupational Divers Warrant Alternative Cardiac Screening Standards?

Abstract

We report a case of an active-duty diver who developed severe decompression sickness with concomitant patent foramen ovale that was successfully closed contrary to standard guideline recommendations. This case should prompt evaluation of the role of cardiac screening in occupational divers, including tactical athletes, relative to recreational divers.

Keywords: cardiac risk; congenital heart defect; lifestyle; primary prevention; risk factor; secondary prevention.