[Electroconvulsive therapy in patients with metallic skull implants]

Abstract

Background: Electroconvulsive therapy is an effective treatment for mood disorders. There is, however, no consensus about the safety of use in patients with metallic skull implants even though these patients are at higher risk of developing mood disorders.

Aim: To bundle the existing literature concerning the use of electroconvulsive therapy in patients with metallic skull implants and to examine the evidence concerning safety and efficacy in this group.

Methods: Relevant case reports and literature reviews published since 1950 were located using PubMed.

Results: We selected and reviewed 37 case reports. There were no complications related to the interaction between electroconvulsive therapy and the metallic objects. Psychiatric outcomes were positive in 95% of cases.

Conclusion: There is no evidence that electroconvulsive therapy is unsafe in patients metallic skull implants. With appropriate caution, its use can be considered on a case-by-case basis by psychiatrists.