Marfan Syndrome Recommendations.

I have Marfan syndrome and would like information from someone who specializes in diving and its associated risks. My cardiologist has recommended against diving, but people with Marfan syndrome usually have limited physical activity, so I was not surprised. I have been treated my whole life and maintain a very active lifestyle, including swimming, water polo, basketball, and marathon running, against all recommendations. What are the risks for someone with Marfan diving, and is there anything I can do to mitigate them?
Marfan syndrome has an extensive spectrum of presentation from mild to severe and requires your physician team’s assessment. Many factors may have influenced your cardiologist’s recommendation against diving despite the active physical activities that you describe.
Physicians will carefully separate the list of appropriate activities. Diving affects various body systems, so the extra stress on systems that Marfan syndrome affects is an important consideration.
The following are a few specific conditions to consider:
— Robert Soncini, NR-P, DMT
© Alert Diver Magazine Q1 2022/ DAN.org
Marfan syndrome has an extensive spectrum of presentation from mild to severe and requires your physician team’s assessment. Many factors may have influenced your cardiologist’s recommendation against diving despite the active physical activities that you describe.
Physicians will carefully separate the list of appropriate activities. Diving affects various body systems, so the extra stress on systems that Marfan syndrome affects is an important consideration.
The following are a few specific conditions to consider:
- Dilation and dissection of the aorta: Fluid changes that occur while diving may stress the aorta.
- Cardiac valvular conditions, cardiomyopathy, and dysrhythmias: These potential problems are often more significant if they occur underwater.
- Pneumothorax: Marfan syndrome can have a higher association with pneumothorax. There can be a risk of spontaneous pneumothorax (collapsed lung) with little or no inciting event. Although problematic on land, it is life-threatening while diving. Pulmonary barotrauma can cause a collapse of anyone’s lung. Upon ascent, trapped air expands and may cause a collapsed lung to develop into a tension pneumothorax, a medical emergency in which air cannot escape the pleural space around the affected lung, increasing
the risk of a pulmonary overinflation syndrome such as arterial gas embolism. - Scoliosis: Spine curvature has been associated with Marfan syndrome. Depending on the severity, scoliosis may cause a reduced exercise tolerance, making routine dive activities such as carrying gear, climbing a boat ladder, or swimming against a current more difficult.
- Spinal dura: There may be changes to the spine’s dura that can result in pain and headache. These changes may have a confounding impact on the diagnosis of spinal decompression illness (DCI).
- Thermal regulation: Wearing thermal protection can delay the core temperature drop from immersion in water, but you will eventually cool, and self-regulation may be difficult. You should review temperature regulation with your physician.
— Robert Soncini, NR-P, DMT
© Alert Diver Magazine Q1 2022/ DAN.org
Posted in Alert Diver Spring Editions, Dive Fitness, Dive Safety FAQ, Return To Diving
Tagged with Marfan syndrome, Cradiac valvular, Pneumothorax, Scoliosis, Spinal dura
Tagged with Marfan syndrome, Cradiac valvular, Pneumothorax, Scoliosis, Spinal dura
Categories
2023
January
March
Demo DiversCape Marine Research and Diver DevelopmentKaboom!....The Big Oxygen Safety IssueTerrific Freedive Mode“LIGHTS, Film, Action!”Scuba Nudi ClothingDive into Freedive InstructionThe Benefits of Being BaldThe Inhaca Ocean Alliance.Special Forces DiverToughing It Out Is DangerousWhat Dive Computers Don\'t Know | PART 2
2022
January
February
UNCERTAINTY AFTER DIVING: Case Report and Recommendations #1.UNCERTAINTY AFTER DIVING: Case Report and Recommendations #2UNCERTAINTY AFTER DIVING: Case Report and Recommendations #3UNCERTAINTY AFTER DIVING: Case Report and Recommendations #4DIVERS LOSING ACCESS TO EMERGENCY CAREPreventing Breathing gas Contamination
March
When Should the Rescue Begin?Celebrating Young and Old in Turks and CaicosScuba Cylinder RundownChasing WeedsUnderwater Smartphone PhotographyAir and a SpareUnderwater Photographer: Fred BuyleBuilding Better BalanceLow-Visibility DivingMore Than a Sore ShoulderNot Only for DivingLaryngospasm and AnxietyPulmonary Hypertension and DivingTitan Meets TitanicPool Operation: Know Before you GoThe Argonaut Octopus and the jellyfishShort but Beautiful Lives
April
A Sense of PurposeMexico’s Sardine RunHigh-Pressure Hose injuriesA Hole in My HeartGoing UpConcussion and Return to DivingMarfan Syndrome Recommendations.South African Sardine Run by Walter BernardisSouth African Sardine Run By ProdiveSardine Run Port Elizabeth by ProDiveSardine Run Port St Johns by ProDiveScuba Diving In MauritiusScuba Diving in TanzaniaScuba Diving in the SeychellesScuba Diving in Nosy BeScuba Diving in MalawiScuba Diving in KenyaScuba Diving in South AfricaScuba Diving in Mozambique
May
June
July
Destination AntarticaUnconscious DiverA Little DetailDive Boat SafetyBlenny Watching 101Bonaire Inspires Hope for the Future of CoralThe Secret to Deep Freediving: Tips from 3 Female World Record HoldersEnsuring Safety in Freediving CompetitionsFour Tips For Staying Warm While Cold Water DivingAnd They Dived Happily Ever AfterFreediving Is About To Enter A New Era If Oxama Has Its SayGET BENT!The Joys and Challenges of the DeepUnderstanding The Secrets of Deep Freediving: Tips from Three National Record Holders