Ventricular tachycardia with ECT.
A case is presented in which a patient with ischemic heart disease developed episodic, nonsustained ventricular tachycardia (VT) during electroconvulsive therapy for major depression. The VT had a frequency of 200 beats/min and ceased spontaneously after 17 s. Altered autonomic discharge in the presence of ischemia is the probable cause. Predisposing factors, as well as management considerations, are discussed.
Larsen
J R
JR
Department of Biological Psychiatry, Risskov Psychiatric Hospital.
Hein
L
L
Strömgren
L S
LS
D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000150:complications* / Q000628:therapy*; D004562:Electrocardiography; D004565:Electroconvulsive Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017202:Myocardial Ischemia / Q000150:complications*; D017180:Tachycardia, Ventricular / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*