Scuba divers' pulmonary oedema. A case report.

A case of presumed scuba divers' pulmonary oedema (SDPE) is presented. The symptomatology and clinical progress is typical and it illustrates some of the aetiological factors incriminated in this disease, as well as measures taken to avoid the disorder. Such factors include the effects of immersion, negative-pressure inspiration induced by vertical positioning in the water, resistance to breathing by the scuba regulator and advanced age. Dyspnoea may have been exacerbated by the respiratory restriction imposed by the diving equipment. Other aetiological factors not relevant to this case are mentioned, as is the possible differential diagnosis. An accompanying review article discusses SDPE in greater detail.