Decompression sickness in a vegetarian diver: are vegetarian divers at risk? A case report.
We present a case of a diver who suffered decompression sickness (DCS), but who also was a strict vegetarian for more than 10 years. He presented with symptoms of tingling of both feet and left hand, weakness in both legs and sensory deficits for vibration and propriocepsis after two deep dives with decompression. The initial clinical features of this case were most consistent with DCS, possibly because of a vulnerable spinal cord due to cobalamin deficiency neuropathy. This case illustrates the similarities between DCS and a clinically defined vitamin B12 deficiency. The pathophysiology of vitamin B12 deficiency and common pathology and symptoms of DCS are reviewed.
van Hulst
Robert A
RA
Diving Medical Center, Royal Netherlands Navy, The Netherlands. ra.v.hulst@mindef.nl
van der Kamp
Wim
W
D000328:Adult; D000748:Anemia, Macrocytic / Q000175:diagnosis; D003665:Decompression Sickness / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D014676:Diet, Vegetarian / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004242:Diving; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D014805:Vitamin B 12 / Q000008:administration & dosage; D014806:Vitamin B 12 Deficiency / Q000150:complications* / Q000628:therapy; D014803:Vitamin B Complex / Q000008:administration & dosage
D014803:Vitamin B Complex; D014805:Vitamin B 12