Astrid Olsson
Research Mentor(s): Jens-Christian Meiners
Mentor Department: Biophysics / Physics
Authors: Astrid Olsson, Roman Alvarado, Jens-Christian Meiners
Session: Session 5 (2:00pm – 2:50pm)
Presentation Type: Oral
Abstract
Spinal-cord decompression sickness (SC-DCS) is a severe neurological condition caused by the formation and growth of gas bubbles in spinal nerve tissue, typically triggered by a rapid decrease in ambient pressure. Commonly observed in diving and aerospace operations, the pathogenesis of SC-DCS remains poorly understood. We monitor bubble formation and dissolution in ex-vivo tissues and live rats, using a novel pressure chamber in an MRI scanner to track real-time decompression and recompression. In a subset of our experiments, oxygen was introduced during recompression to explore its effects on bubble dynamics. Our observations reveal mechanical tearing of tissue around gas bubbles, signs of hemorrhage, and dislodging of vascular gas bubbles upon recompression. In conclusion, our findings suggest that SC-DCS injuries are not solely ischemic, resulting from bubbles obstructing blood flow, but also mechanical, due to tissue tearing. These dual injury mechanisms should be considered in the treatment of SC-DCS.
