Successful ECT in a patient with intracranial venous angioma

The 1990 American Psychiatric Association (APA) Task Force report on electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) suggests that there is an increased risk of complications in patients with intracranial vascular masses. There have been only a few published reports on the use of ECT in these patients. In this case report, an additional case is described that used ECT in the treatment of major depression in a 72-year-old patient with a venous angioma involving the left cerebellum. Brain imaging studies, neurosurgery, cardiology, and orthopedic consultations were obtained prior to ECT. Blood pressure was monitored closely throughout the course of ECT. Prior to each ECT, antihypertensive medication was given in addition to other pretreatment medications. Consistent with previously published reports, the patient did not experience any neurological deterioration or adverse effects. A brief review of the literature on the use of ECT in patients with venous angioma and other intracranial vascular masses is presented.