Key result
A 70-year-old man developed new-onset paroxysmal atrial fibrillation following his 38th electroconvulsive therapy treatment, which spontaneously converted to normal sinus rhythm.
Why the study?
Electroconvulsive therapy produces a transient sympathetic response that can lead to cardiac rate and rhythm changes, but it rarely precipitates atrial fibrillation.
Case Report (n=1)
No
Electroconvulsive therapy can rarely precipitate paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, highlighting the importance of cardiac monitoring during the procedure, especially in patients with predisposing risk factors.
May warrant post-ECT arrhythmia monitoring in selected patients; leaves open true incidence and risk factors.
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a safe treatment for various psychiatric disorders. During an ECT treatment, an electrical stimulus produces a transient sympathetic response leading to changes in the cardiac rate and rhythm. Rarely, ECT treatment may precipitate atrial fibrillation (AF). In this case report, we present a 70-year-old man with schizoaffective disorder who developed paroxysmal AF after his 38th ECT treatment. We review his risk factors for AF and propose a possible mechanism of its development. We also discuss potential treatment options to safely resume ECT treatments.
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Hower et al. (2020) conducted a case report in Schizoaffective disorder (n=1). Electroconvulsive therapy was evaluated on Development of atrial fibrillation. A 70-year-old man developed new-onset paroxysmal atrial fibrillation following his 38th electroconvulsive therapy treatment, which spontaneously converted to normal sinus rhythm.
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