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Electroconvulsive therapy in a patient with glaucoma.
Margaret S Good1, Tamara J Dolenc, Keith G Rasmussen
1Department of Ophthalmology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, USA.
The Journal of ECT
|April 17, 2004
Summary
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) may cause a small, temporary rise in intraocular pressure (IOP). This case study suggests ECT is likely safe for glaucoma patients, showing minimal IOP increase in a treated individual.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neurology
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is known to cause transient elevations in intraocular pressure (IOP).
- The safety of ECT in patients with glaucoma, particularly those with controlled disease, remains unclear.
- This case report investigates IOP changes during ECT in a patient with pre-existing bilateral glaucoma.
Observation:
- A patient with bilateral glaucoma, status post right eye surgery, underwent IOP monitoring during ECT.
- Pre-treatment IOP was 16 mm Hg (right eye) and 18 mm Hg (left eye).
- Following seizure induction, a transient ~5 mm Hg IOP increase was observed in the left eye, resolving within 5 minutes.
Findings:
- The right eye exhibited negligible IOP change during the ECT-induced seizure.
- The left eye showed a modest, short-lived IOP elevation.
- The observed IOP changes were temporary and returned to baseline levels.
Implications:
- ECT may be a relatively safe procedure for patients with medically or surgically controlled glaucoma.
- Further research is warranted to confirm these findings in a larger glaucoma patient cohort undergoing ECT.
- This case provides preliminary evidence supporting the cautious use of ECT in select glaucoma patients.