Fact-sheet: Near drowning


Updated on 09/03/2020 at 12:09 PM

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Definition

Asphyxia due to fluid influx into the airways, particularly following immersion in water.

Clinical features

  • Dyspnea
  • Cardiorespiratory arrest

CT

The examination is performed to rule out decompression sickness.
It should ideally be performed within 3 hours postmortem.

Whole-body acquisition without contrast injection.
Patient in supine position.
MinIP reconstruction of the supra-aortic trunks and the circle of Willis.

Radiological pattern:

  • Crazy paving
  • Anteroposterior gradient
  • Tracheobronchial foam
  • Sediment in the sinuses
  • Fluid distension of the stomach

Differential diagnosis

  • Decompression sickness: Peribronchovascular thickening
  • Septal thickening
  • Pulmonary vein enlargement
  • Pleural effusion
  • Vascular redistribution to the apices.