Minerva taken in by myth

EDITOR, - Minerva reports that the breast implant of a woman diver exploded during ascent from 30 m, causing major injuries to her chest wall and fracturing two ribs. This apocryphal tale can be traced from Minerva's source (Diver Magazine) through the newsletter of a small diving club back to a United States newspaper, the National Enquirer, which isrenowned for its sensational stories, but not for their accuracy. Under the headline “Ka-boob!”, the accident was alleged to have occurred in Mexico.

Women divers with breast implants are naturally concerned by such stories, particularly when credence is added by publication in a major medical journal. Before such an implausible report is repeated, surely the accuracy and provenance of the story should be checked.