Uneventful electroconvulsive therapy in a patient with dopa-responsive dystonia (Segawa syndrome).
BACKGROUND
The Segawa syndrome is an autosomal dominant form of guanosine triphosphate cyclohydrolase deficiency, resulting in decreased dopamine and serotonin levels, typically presenting as a dopa-responsive dystonia.


METHODS
Case presentation of a 56-year-old man with dopa-responsive dystonia, treated with electroconvulsive therapy for a psychotic depression.


RESULTS
Scores on the Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology dropped from 35 before treatment to 3 after the eighth treatment session. Etomidate and succinylcholine were used as anesthetics. Apart from 2 sessions with postictal agitation, the course of electroconvulsive therapy was finished uneventfully. Electroconvulsive therapy and anesthesia had no untoward effects on motor function.


CONCLUSIONS
Electroconvulsive therapy can be administered safely and effectively in a patient with dopa-responsive dystonia (Segawa syndrome).
Sienaert
Pascal
P
ECT Department, University Psychiatric Center, Catholic University of Leuven, Kortenberg, Belgium. pascal.sienaert@uc-kortenberg.be
Rooseleer
Jonas
J
Peuskens
Joseph
J
D000341:Affective Disorders, Psychotic / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D003702:Delusions / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D004295:Dihydroxyphenylalanine / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015259:Dopamine Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004421:Dystonia / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000628:therapy*; D004565:Electroconvulsive Therapy; D006136:GTP Cyclohydrolase / Q000172:deficiency*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D013577:Syndrome
D015259:Dopamine Agents; D004295:Dihydroxyphenylalanine; D006136:GTP Cyclohydrolase