Asystole Following Electroconvulsive Therapy in a Male Patient with Bipolar Disorder: A Case Report

Abstract

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is known as a treatment method for psychological disorders. This method, like any other treatment, has disadvantages that could threaten the patient’s life. During the process, some changes occur in the autonomic systems of the body. The aim of this study is to introduce a rare case of asystole during electroconvulsive therapy. The patient was a 48-year-old man with a history of bipolar disorder and a candidate for ECT. There were no problems in cardiac examinations. In the postictal phase of the seizure, the heart rate was not detectable. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation was started immediately with chest compressions, and airway management was performed by the anesthesiologist. The patient’s cardiac rhythm converted to a sinus rhythm following five minutes of chest compressions. The ECG wave appeared, and the pulse oximeter was able to show SpO₂ and the heart rate. Meanwhile, the patient’s airway was secured, and he was delivered to recovery with a blood pressure of 119.66 mm Hg and a heart rate of 105 beats/min. By retrieving the patient’s consciousness and hemodynamic stability, he was transferred to the ICU for treatment and diagnostic procedures.