Electroconvulsive therapy in a patient with a cavernous hemangioma

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Neurosurgery
• Psychiatry

Background:

• Intracranial space-occupying lesions are often considered a contraindication for electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).
• Previous reports indicate safe ECT administration in patients with various intracranial vascular malformations.

Observation:

• This report details a patient with a parietal cavernous hemangioma (CH).
• The patient underwent electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) without any reported incidents.

Findings:

• Cavernous hemangiomas (CHs) are low-flow vascular malformations.
• The use of esmolol to manage blood pressure during ECT for CH was considered, but potentially unnecessary due to the low-flow nature of CHs.

Implications:

• Cavernous hemangiomas (CHs) may represent a relatively low risk for electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).
• Caution is advised, particularly if there is evidence of recent hemorrhage within the CH.
• This finding contributes to the understanding of managing patients with vascular malformations undergoing ECT.