Decompression sickness presenting as a viral syndrome.
Decompression sickness (DCS) is a well-known hazard of exposure to significant variations in ambient pressure. The diagnosis and management of DCS is frequently a source of confusion. Although the majority of cases are manifested by joint or limb pains (Type I DCS), patients may present with a wide array of symptoms, such as neurologic deficits, headache, fatigue, nausea, and respiratory difficulty. A thorough knowledge of the differential diagnosis and a strong index of suspicion are crucial to the proper management of DCS. Presented herein are two cases of altitude-related DCS which were confused initially with a viral syndrome. A discussion of the symptoms of DCS is included.
Rudge
F W
FW
Hyperbaric Medicine Division, USAFSAM/HM, Brooks AFB, TX 78235-5301.
D000328:Adult; D003665:Decompression Sickness / Q000175:diagnosis*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D014777:Virus Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*