J Neuropsychiatry Clin Neurosci 1992; 4:145-151
Copyright © 1992 by American Neuropsychiatric Association
Multiple sclerosis and ECT: possible value of gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance scans for identifying high-risk patients
G Mattingly, K Baker, CF Zorumski and GS Figiel
Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri.
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) has been used effectively in treating
depressed patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). However, several reports
have observed that some patients with MS may suffer neurological
deterioration during ECT. The authors describe the outcomes of 3 depressed
patients with MS who were treated with ECT. Consistent with previous works,
ECT effectively treated the psychiatric symptoms; however, 1 patient
deteriorated neurologically during ECT. The brain MRI findings and clinical
courses of all 3 patients are discussed, along with the possible value of
gadolinium-contrast MRI scans for identifying high-risk patients.
