Periorbital emphysema after dive barotrauma without radiological evidence of paranasal sinus injury.

Abstract

Background: Scuba diving has increased in popularity since its invention in 1943, with over 21 million PADI registered members worldwide. Injuries to the paranasal sinuses caused by barotrauma are the second most common after injury to the middle ear.

Case report: In this paper we present a case of unilateral periorbital surgical emphysema in a 23-yr-old male commercial scuba diver with minimal symptoms following an uneventful 13-ft (4-m) dive. The only symptoms experienced were pain and pressure over the right maxillary sinus and retrorbitally. Imaging with computed tomography showed no fracture of his paranasal sinuses.

Discussion: The authors recommend that a high index of suspicion for paranasal sinus barotrauma should be maintained in all patients reporting minor symptoms after diving (even to shallow depths) to facilitate rapid clinical diagnosis and prompt medical management.