Objectives: We investigated the value of assessing the
degree of mastoid pneumatization in predicting middle ear
barotrauma -the most common problem in sport SCUBA
divers- in comparison with that of the conventional predive
examination method, the Valsalva maneuver.
Materials and Methods: Thirty-four volunteer sport
SCUBA divers having normal pre-dive examination findings
were included. The Valsalva test was performed in all
the divers. Mastoid pneumatization for each ear was calculated
on a Schuller’s view radiography. Pneumatization
of ≤30 cm2 was accepted as poor (prone to barotrauma)
and >30 cm2 was accepted as good (not prone to barotrauma).
During the observation period, the divers were
monitored with regard to barotrauma symptoms or signs.
Results: The degree of mastoid pneumatization was ≤30 cm2
in 26 ears (38%) of 16 divers (47%). The Valsalva test was
negative in eight ears (12%) of six divers (18%). During a
total of 1001 dives, symptomatic middle ear barotrauma
occurred in 28 dives (2.8%), i.e. in 21 ears (31%) of 16 divers
(47%). Of these, the degree of mastoid pneumatization predicted
barotrauma in 11 (69%) divers, whereas the Valsalva
test was negative in only three (19%) (p<0.05), with sensitivity,
specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and
efficiency being 69% and 19%, 72% and 83%, 69% and
50%, 72% and 54%, and 71% and 53%, respectively.
Conclusion: The value of assessing mastoid pneumatization
in predicting middle ear barotrauma in sport
SCUBA divers is higher than that of the Valsalva test.
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Anahtar Kelimeler: Barotravma/tanı; dalıcılık/yan etki; mastoid; ortakulak ventilasyonu; test öngördürücü değeri; Valsalva manevrası.