Bipolar affective disorder following coronary bypass surgery

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Surgery
• Psychiatry
• Neuroscience

Background:

• Post-cardiac surgery mood disturbances are recognized, typically presenting as depression.
• Bipolar affective disorder, characterized by mania and depression, has not been previously documented as a complication following coronary bypass surgery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a unique case of bipolar affective disorder developing after coronary artery bypass surgery.
• To highlight the potential for new-onset mania and depression following cardiac procedures.

Main Methods:

• A case report of a 46-year-old male patient with no prior psychiatric history.
• Detailed clinical observation of the patient's symptoms, including mania and depression, post-coronary artery bypass surgery.
• Diagnosis based on established research criteria for bipolar affective disorder.

Main Results:

• The patient developed both manic and depressive episodes after undergoing a two-vessel coronary artery bypass graft.
• The patient's presentation met the diagnostic criteria for bipolar affective disorder.
• Symptoms showed a positive response to lithium carbonate treatment.

Conclusions:

• Bipolar affective disorder can manifest as a complication after coronary artery bypass surgery, even in patients with no prior psychiatric history.
• This case underscores the importance of considering psychiatric evaluations in patients experiencing mood changes post-cardiac surgery.
• Lithium carbonate appears to be an effective treatment for this specific post-surgical psychiatric complication.