The diagnosis of fatal gas embolism: detection by plain film radiography.

Two recent deaths from massive air embolism occurring while scuba diving off the South coast of Britain are reported. In each case the circumstances of death were uncertain. In both instances the cause of death, that is massive gas embolism, was determined by plain radiography and findings were confirmed at post-mortem. These cases illustrate that in unexplained deaths that occur after exposure to, or change in hyper- or hypobaric conditions, investigation should include pain radiographs of the chest, abdomen and skull.