Electroconvulsive Therapy in a Depressed Patient with a Functioning Ventriculoatrial Shunt

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Psychiatry
• Neurosurgery

Background:

• Normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) can present with psychiatric symptoms, including depression.
• Ventriculoatrial shunts are used to manage NPH but may pose challenges for certain medical interventions.
• Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a highly effective treatment for severe depression.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a successful case of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in a patient with a ventriculoatrial shunt.
• To discuss the management considerations for patients with brain shunts undergoing ECT.

Main Methods:

• A case report of a depressed patient with a ventriculoatrial shunt for NPH.
• Review of management protocols for ECT in patients with intracranial hardware.

Main Results:

• The patient with a ventriculoatrial shunt and normal pressure hydrocephalus experienced successful depression treatment with ECT.
• No immediate complications related to the shunt were observed during or after ECT.

Conclusions:

• ECT can be a safe and effective treatment option for depression in patients with ventriculoatrial shunts.
• Careful pre-ECT assessment and management planning are crucial for patients with brain shunts.