Pathological Effects of Explosive Decompression to 30 mm Hg

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Abstract
Eighteen anesthetized dogs divided into 3 groups of 6 each were explosively decompressed from 520-30 mm. Hg in 0.035 sec. Group 1 was held at 30 mm. Hg for 2.5 minutes then re-compressed in 1 min. Groups 2 and 3 were recompressed immediately after explosive decompression, group 2 in 1 min. and group 3 in 7 min. Two dogs in group 1, all dogs in group 2 and 2 dogs in group 3 survived. Pulmonary lesions observed in all dogs were atelectasis, hemorrhage and emphysema. There was indication that hemorrhage contributed to the maintenance of atelectasis. Atelectasis was more pronounced in areas remote from the trachea. Hemorrhages were also found in the heart, intestines, stomach, liver, spleen, kidneys and brain of all dogs in all groups. Rupture of cell walls, extrusion of cytoplasm and liberation of nuclei were observed in the hepatic and renal epithelium. Transverse fragmentation of myocardial fibers, hemorrhage, separation of myofibrils and extrusion of cytoplasm were observed in the hearts of all dogs. Hemorrhage of the middle and inner ear was seen in 17 dogs.

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