Cutis marmorata in decompression sickness is associated with a patent foramen ovale

Echocardiography. 2019 Jun;36(6):1179-1180. doi: 10.1111/echo.14360. Epub 2019 May 13.

Abstract

A 39-year-old male commercial diver developed cutis marmorata after a dive. He had a full recovery after therapy in a hyperbaric oxygen chamber. Transthoracic echocardiography revealed an atrial septal aneurysm and a large shunt during normal respirations. This form of decompression sickness may progress to type II DCS, thus is important to identify and treat. Cutis marmorata as a result of diving is highly associated with an atrial septal defect or a large patent foramen ovale. It is particularly important to assess these patients for a right-to-left shunt as part of a medical evaluation prior to returning to diving.

Keywords: PFO; decompression sickness; rash.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Decompression Sickness / complications*
  • Diving*
  • Echocardiography / methods*
  • Foramen Ovale, Patent / complications*
  • Humans
  • Hyperbaric Oxygenation
  • Male
  • Skin Diseases, Vascular / diagnostic imaging*
  • Skin Diseases, Vascular / etiology*
  • Skin Diseases, Vascular / therapy