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04:51
Pupillary Response as Assessment of Effective Seizure Induction by Electroconvulsive Therapy
Published on: April 11, 2019
Electroconvulsive therapy in a patient with pulmonary aneurysm
Nic Pascoe1, Hamish Gray, Sally Aldous
1From the *Canterbury District Health Board, Acute Inpatient Service, Hillmorton Hospital †Anaesthetic Department, and ‡Cardiology Department, Canterbury District Health Board; and §Department of Psychology, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand.
The Journal of ECT
|October 2, 2013
Summary
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is generally considered safe for patients with pulmonary artery aneurysms. This case study shows a patient with a large pulmonary artery aneurysm undergoing ECT without any adverse cardiovascular events.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Science
- Neurosurgery
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Pulmonary artery aneurysms are rare cardiovascular abnormalities.
- Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) can cause transient tachycardia and hypertension due to catecholamine release.
- This physiological response to ECT may pose a risk for aneurysmal rupture.
Observation:
- A 56-year-old woman with severe depression was incidentally found to have a large left pulmonary artery aneurysm.
- The patient underwent 16 treatments of electroconvulsive therapy.
- No adverse cardiovascular events or aneurysm rupture were observed during or after ECT.
Findings:
- Electroconvulsive therapy can be safely administered to patients with pulmonary artery aneurysms.
- The risk of aneurysmal rupture during ECT may be lower than previously anticipated.
- This case suggests that careful patient selection and monitoring might allow for the use of ECT in specific cardiovascular conditions.
Implications:
- This finding could expand treatment options for patients with both psychiatric disorders and rare cardiovascular conditions.
- Further research is warranted to confirm the safety profile of ECT in patients with pulmonary artery aneurysms.
- Clinical guidelines may need to be updated regarding ECT use in patients with pre-existing aneurysms.
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