Electroconvulsive therapy in myasthenia gravis.
BACKGROUND
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a neuromuscular disease sometimes associated with severe psychiatric complications. The use of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in MG raises certain challenges.


METHODS
We describe a patient with MG and a steroid-induced major depressive episode with psychotic features treated with ECT. We also review the literature on similar cases and on the safety of ECT with muscle relaxation in this condition.


RESULTS
The use of ECT in patients with MG is a viable therapeutic option when psychiatric complications secondary to MG or its treatment do not respond to psychotropic medications.


CONCLUSIONS
ECT with muscle relaxants could be administered safely, with appropriate precautions kept in mind.
Calarge
Chadi A
CA
The University of Iowa Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Iowa city, Iowa 52242-1057, USA. chadi-calarge@uiowa.edu
Crowe
Raymond R
RR
D000368:Aged; D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000628:therapy*; D004565:Electroconvulsive Therapy; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009157:Myasthenia Gravis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy*; D013256:Steroids / Q000009:adverse effects; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D013256:Steroids