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Two fatal cases of immersion pulmonary oedema - using dive accident investigation to assist the forensic pathologist

journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-22, 02:28 authored by Smart, DR, Sage, M, Davis, FM
Immersion pulmonary oedema (IPE) is being increasingly recognized in swimmers, snorkellers and scuba divers presenting with acute symptoms of respiratory distress following immersion, but fatal case reports are uncommon. We report two fatal cases of probable IPE in middle-aged women, one whilst snorkelling and the other associated with a scuba dive. In the snorkeller's case, an episode of exercise-related chest tightness and shortness of breath that occurred 10 months previously was investigated but this proved negative, and she was on no medications. However, at autopsy, moderate left ventricular hypertrophy was noted. The scuba diver had suffered several previous episodes of severe shortness of breath following dives, one being so severe it led to cyanosis and impaired consciousness. At inquest, the pathologist's diagnosis was given as drowning and IPE was not mentioned. Expert input from doctors trained in diving medicine should be compulsory in the investigation of diving deaths, and forensic pathologists should be properly trained in and have guidelines for the conduct of post-immersion and post-diving autopsies.

History

Publication title

Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine

Volume

44

Pagination

97-100

ISSN

1833-3516

Department/School

Tasmanian School of Medicine

Publisher

South Pacific Underwater Medicine Society Inc.

Place of publication

Australia

Repository Status

  • Restricted

Socio-economic Objectives

Clinical health not elsewhere classified

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    University Of Tasmania

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