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Aortic aneurysm and electroconvulsive therapy in elderly depressive patient
Okan Caliyurt1, Cengiz Tuglu, Erdal Vardar
1Psychiatry Department, Trakya University School of Medicine, Edirne, Turkey. caliyurt@hotmail.com
The Journal of ECT
|December 6, 2003
Summary
Electroconvulsive therapy effectively treated depression in a patient with aortic aneurysm. Blood pressure remained stable with metoprolol succinate, showing no adverse cardiovascular effects during treatment.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Psychiatry
- Neurology
Background:
- Aortic aneurysms present unique challenges for managing comorbid psychiatric conditions.
- Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a highly effective treatment for severe depression.
- Cardiovascular stability is a critical concern during ECT, especially in patients with cardiovascular disease.
Observation:
- A 67-year-old male with a known aortic aneurysm presented with severe depression.
- The patient underwent electroconvulsive therapy for his depressive symptoms.
- Metoprolol succinate was administered for blood pressure management throughout the ECT course.
Findings:
- Electroconvulsive therapy resulted in successful remission of depressive symptoms.
- No significant increases in blood pressure were observed during ECT.
- No adverse cardiovascular events or side effects related to metoprolol succinate were noted.
Implications:
- This case suggests that ECT can be a safe and effective treatment option for depression in patients with aortic aneurysms.
- Careful blood pressure monitoring and judicious use of beta-blockers like metoprolol succinate may facilitate safe ECT administration in this population.
- Further research is warranted to establish definitive safety protocols for ECT in patients with aortic aneurysms.