Two unusual cases of severe dysbarism after compressed air work in Hong Kong.

Two cases of unusual severe dysbarism are reported. One case occurred after working in compressed air at a pressure of 2.05 kg/cm2 (29 psi) for a duration of 27 min; the second case, after working for a duration of 6 h at a pressure of only 1.0 kg/cm2 (14.2 psi). The first case presented a combination of symptoms resembling "the chokes" and "the staggers," progressing into shock probably due to micro-air embolism. The second suffered chest pain and "the chokes," complicated by an underlying chest infection. Both were treated successfully by recompression.