Atrioventricular Dissociation after Electroconvulsive Therapy
Author Information
Author(s): Y Siegfried William, Vallurupalli Srikanth, Arnoldi Jennifer, Holloway Richard
Primary Institution: Southern Illinois University School of Medicine
Hypothesis
What are the mechanisms contributing to atrioventricular dissociation after electroconvulsive therapy?
Conclusion
Atrioventricular dissociation can occur as a complication of electroconvulsive therapy, necessitating careful monitoring and management.
Supporting Evidence
- Electroconvulsive therapy is increasingly used for psychiatric disorders.
- Cardiac complications are the principal cause of medical complications related to ECT.
- The patient experienced bradycardia and AV dissociation after ECT, which was treated with a pacemaker.
Takeaway
Sometimes, when people get a special treatment for depression called electroconvulsive therapy, their heart can act funny and skip beats, which might need a special device to help it beat normally again.
Methodology
The patient underwent electroconvulsive therapy and was monitored for cardiac complications, leading to the implantation of a pacemaker.
Limitations
The case report is based on a single patient, limiting generalizability.
Participant Demographics
A 65-year-old woman with type 1 bipolar disorder and several comorbidities.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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