Decompression sickness presenting as a viral syndrome.

Decompression sickness (DCS) is a well-known hazard of exposure to significant variations in ambient pressure. The diagnosis and management of DCS is frequently a source of confusion. Although the majority of cases are manifested by joint or limb pains (Type I DCS), patients may present with a wide array of symptoms, such as neurologic deficits, headache, fatigue, nausea, and respiratory difficulty. A thorough knowledge of the differential diagnosis and a strong index of suspicion are crucial to the proper management of DCS. Presented herein are two cases of altitude-related DCS which were confused initially with a viral syndrome. A discussion of the symptoms of DCS is included.