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Updated: Jun 23, 2026

Pupillary Response as Assessment of Effective Seizure Induction by Electroconvulsive Therapy
Published on: April 11, 2019
Uneventful electroconvulsive therapy in a patient with dopa-responsive dystonia (Segawa syndrome)
Pascal Sienaert1, Jonas Rooseleer, Joseph Peuskens
1ECT Department, University Psychiatric Center, Catholic University of Leuven, Kortenberg, Belgium. pascal.sienaert@uc-kortenberg.be
Background:
The Segawa syndrome is an autosomal dominant form of guanosine triphosphate cyclohydrolase deficiency, resulting in decreased dopamine and serotonin levels, typically presenting as a dopa-responsive dystonia.
Method:
Case presentation of a 56-year-old man with dopa-responsive dystonia, treated with electroconvulsive therapy for a psychotic depression.
Results:
Scores on the Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology dropped from 35 before treatment to 3 after the eighth treatment session. Etomidate and succinylcholine were used as anesthetics. Apart from 2 sessions with postictal agitation, the course of electroconvulsive therapy was finished uneventfully. Electroconvulsive therapy and anesthesia had no untoward effects on motor function.
Conclusions:
Electroconvulsive therapy can be administered safely and effectively in a patient with dopa-responsive dystonia (Segawa syndrome).
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