Mario Gerardo Santamarina MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Carlos Ignacio Echeverria, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Mirko Marra MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Ignacio Beddings MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Alejandro Ceriani, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Mariano Volpacchio MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

1. To review the main physiopathological concepts and processes involved in decompression illness (DI). 2. To describe the main clinical manifestations, with a brief discussion of treatment options. 3. To review the main imaging findings in a patient with DI.

- Physiopathological bases of the develpment of DI. - Review of factors that predispose to DI. - Main clinical features. - Treatment options and prognosis. - Review of the main imaging findings in decompression illness. Pictorial review with sample cases. - Summary. DI occurs when intravascular or tissue bubbles develop as a result of a decrease in the environmental pressure (decompression). Two different mechanisms explain bubble formation. Arterial gas embolism, where alveolar or venous gas emboli reach arterial circulation, and decompression sickness, in which bubbles arise from disolved gas (nitrogen) in tissues. Both of these mechanisms affect specific occupational and recreational settings. Clinical presentation is variable ranging from pruritus and mild pain through neurologic symptoms, cardiac failure and even death in severe cases. Imaging plays a prominent role in patients with DD allowing to evaluate compromise severity, predict and avoid complications and, eventually, establishing a prognosis.

http://abstract.rsna.org/uploads/2014/14012213/14012213_pm3e.pdf

Santamarina, M, Echeverria, C, Marra, M, Beddings, I, Ceriani, A, Volpacchio, M, Harmful Bubbles: Decompression Illness—What The Radiologist Needs To Know.  Radiological Society of North America 2014 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, - ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2014/14012213.html