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Updated: Nov 23, 2025

Pupillary Response as Assessment of Effective Seizure Induction by Electroconvulsive Therapy
Published on: April 11, 2019
New Onset Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation After Electroconvulsive Therapy
1Psychiatry, Touro University of California - College of Osteopathic Medicine, Vallejo, USA.
Abstract:
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a safe treatment for various psychiatric disorders. During an ECT treatment, an electrical stimulus produces a transient sympathetic response leading to changes in the cardiac rate and rhythm. Rarely, ECT treatment may precipitate atrial fibrillation (AF). In this case report, we present a 70-year-old man with schizoaffective disorder who developed paroxysmal AF after his 38th ECT treatment. We review his risk factors for AF and propose a possible mechanism of its development. We also discuss potential treatment options to safely resume ECT treatments.
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