Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation: Scuba Diving or Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

Abstract

Heart rhythm disorders are widely reported as complications of scuba diving but rarely after HBO therapy. We report the case of a professional diver who developed a paroxysmal atrial fibrillation after hyperbaric oxygen therapy as treatment of diving accident. It is a professional diver admitted for the treatment of a cochleovestibular desaturation accident. The initial ECG showed normal sinus rhythm. He received 10 HBO therapy sessions. We discovered a heart rhythm disorder. The ECG showed an atrial fibrillation. Heart rhythm returned to sinus after receiving FLECAIN®. Control ECG after 2 months showed a normal sinus rhythm.