Electroconvulsive therapy-induced transient T-wave inversions on ECG

Abstract

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), regarded as safe, well tolerated, and one of the most effective treatments for depression, is used frequently in patients with underlying coronary artery disease. ECT has been associated with ST depression and arrhythmias probably due to increased myocardial demand in patients with coronary artery disease. This report describes a case of transient new T-wave inversions in precordial leads V2 and V3 and flattening of T waves in leads III, V3, V4, V5, and a VF after two courses of ECT in a patient with minimal cardiac risk factors, normal echocardiogram, and normal pre-ECT electrocardiogram (ECG). These T-wave changes may represent increased sympathetic activity induced by ECT. Previous prospective studies of 26 and 21 patients undergoing serial ECT found only one new T-wave inversion and no pathologic Q waves on serial ECGs, suggesting that this is a rare finding.