Electroconvulsive Therapy for Treatment of Refractory Depression in a Patient with Cystic Fibrosis

Abstract

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an autosomal recessive inherited disease that is usually first diagnosed in early childhood. It is a chronic and progressive disease in which mucus builds up and clogs passages in many body organs, but primarily the lungs and pancreas. We present a case report of a 42-year-old man with CF who was treated with electroconvulsive therapy for treatment-refractory major depressive disorder. For patients with CF, the primary issue is anesthetic management in a patient with impaired pulmonary function. Our patient received prednisone and intravenous antibiotics to optimize pulmonary status. He responded positively to the electroconvulsive therapy and was able to tolerate it without significant problems.