Electroconvulsive therapy impairs systolic performance of the left ventricle

Purpose: In this observational study, we examined left ventricular systolic performance during electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), using an echocardiogra phic automated border detection system. Methods: Nine ASA I or II patients scheduled for ECT were studied. Bilatera l ECT was performed after the administration of propofol l mg.kg(-1), succi nylchoiine l mg.kg(-1), and assisted mask ventilation with 100% oxygen. Car diac function was monitored by transthoracic echocardiography, prior to ane sthesia induction and throughout the ECT procedure until ten minutes after the seizure. Results: Increased end-systolic area and decreased fractional area change w ere observed at one minute after the seizure compared to the awake conditio n. No regional wall motion abnormalities were observed in all patients both at baseline condition and during the ECT: Conclusion: Systolic performance of the left ventricle estimated by echocar diography decreased transiently in the immediate period after the electric shock.