ELECTROSHOCK THERAPY OF A DEPRESSED PATIENT WITH COMPLETE HEART BLOCK

A psychiatrically depressed patient with complete heart block received a course of electroshock therapy. On one occasion ventricular tachycardia and ventricular arrest occurred, but the patient recovered without cardiac therapy. The potential aggravation of a pre-existing, serious arrhythmia should be considered carefully before the institution of EST, but the reported case illustrates that it can be used successfully in such circumstances. If necessary precautions are taken, such therapy may be appropriate when other treatment has failed.