Use of electroconvulsive therapy in a patient 10 days after myocardial infarction

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a safe and effective treatment of severe depression, even in patients with cardiac risk factors. Although rare, cardiovascular events during ECT remain a principal cause of morbidity and mortality. In particular, a history of recent myocardial infarction (MI) increases the risk of ventricular arrhythmias and cardiac rupture. A widely accepted recommendation is to administer ECT at least 3 months after MI, but sometimes a delay is not possible. Limited literature exists on the use of ECT in severely depressed patients with recent MI. Our literature review revealed 1 previously published case, with less than favorable results. In this case report, we describe a severely depressed, catatonic elderly man who was safely and successfully treated with ECT 10 days after an acute MI. It is essential that appropriate cardiac management be provided before, during, and after ECT by a multidisciplinary team of psychiatrists, internists, cardiologists, and anesthesiologists. Our case report suggests that, with proper management and close monitoring, ECT can be administered safely, even in patients with recent MI.