Pulmonary embolism in the ECT patient: a case report and discussion

Abstract

Objectives Our objective was to discuss the risk for pulmonary embolism (PE) in the patient population with comorbid psychiatric and medical issues and risk management. It was also our objective to discuss the potential use of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) following a PE with a case presentation format. Methods We present a case report, a review of the literature and a discussion. Results We report on the case of a 68-year-old man with bipolar disorder who had a PE after two ECTs. He required stabilization and treatment in the intensive care unit before returning to the psychiatry unit for completion of a course of ECT, which was well tolerated and highly effective. Conclusions Patients with comorbid medical and psychiatric illness are at high risk of developing deep venous thrombus/PE and need to be monitored for this. They often require ECT, which can be administered safely even after a PE.