ECT for a patient with a metallic skull plate.

Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) is a safe and effective treatment for a variety of psychiatric conditions. The American Psychiatric Association Task Force Report identifies no absolute contraindications to ECT; however, it lists several relative contraindications. The presence of a metallic skull plate is not addressed, nor has it been previously documented in the literature. As a result, there may be reluctance among some psychiatrists to perform ECT under such circumstances. This article reviews the literature for ECT done in the presence of skull defects and intracranial metallic bodies. A case report of ECT being performed on an elderly patient with a metallic skull plate is presented. In the presence of a skull defect, it is advisable to place electrodes equidistant from the defect to reduce the risk of damage. The case report presented adds to the literature to show that ECT may safely be performed in the presence of a metallic skull plate.     

Electroconvulsive Therapy in Paget's Disease and Hydrocephalus

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) was successfully used to treat depressive illness in a patient with Paget's disease of the skull and hydrocephalus with a functioning shunt.     

ECT in the treatment of status epilepticus

INTRODUCTION: Owing to its potent anticonvulsant actions, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) has been proposed as an intervention for treatment-resistant seizure disorders. METHOD: We review the literature on the use of ECT in treatment-resistant epilepsy and status epilepticus (SE) and present a case of a patient who was in nonconvulsive SE for 26 days and then treated with ECT after all standard pharmacological strategies were exhausted. Because of skull defects, a novel electrode placement was used. RESULTS: Owing to massively elevated seizure threshold attributable to concomitant anticonvulsant medications, extraordinarily high electrical dosage was needed for ECT to elicit generalized seizures. Status was terminated after three successful ECT-induced seizures. However, the long-term functional outcome of the patient was poor. DISCUSSION: The role of ECT in the treatment algorithm for SE is discussed.     

Electroconvulsive therapy for major depressive disorder in a patient with a permanent skull defect: A case report

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is an effective and safe treatment method for a variety of psychiatric disorders, including major depressive disorder. Although there is no absolute contraindication to ECT, clinicians often hesitate to apply this method to patients with a skull defect. We report a case of ECT performed on a major depressive disorder patient with an open wound after craniectomy. We summarize successful ECT cases of patients with a permanent skull defect and discuss various factors that may influence ECT outcomes in patients with a skull defect, including electrode placement, benzodiazepines, and anticonvulsants.     

持续腰大池置管引流术在早期颅骨修补术中的应用

目的探讨伴脑膨出的颅骨缺损患者早期颅骨修补术的手术方法。方法对25例去骨瓣减压术后伴脑组织膨出患者先行持续腰大池置管引流术,待脑组织复位后再行早期颅骨修补术。结果25例患者均早期顺利完成颅骨缺损修补术,且术后无1例出现颅高压症状。结论持续腰大池置管引流术能使伴脑组织膨出的颅骨缺损患者顺利完成早期颅骨修补术。     

Electroconvulsive therapy for a patient with metallic internal fixation in mandible

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in the presence of metal in the skull may cause concern among clinicians. The literature is sparse, with only a few case reports in this area. We present here a case where ECT was administered in a patient with metallic internal fixation for the fracture of mandible. The 37-year-old man presented with severe depression, suicide risk, and alcohol dependence. Administration of ECT was uneventful, with no complications during ECT or at follow-up; and there was successful resolution of symptoms. This case report demonstrates that ECT may be safe in the presence of metallic implants in mandible.     

Endoscopic endonasal approaches to anterior skull base defects in pediatric patients

Introduction We studied 12 pediatric patients with congenital or acquired anterior skull base defects. All subjects underwent surgery owing to progressive symptoms. The endoscopic endonasal approach is a new method in the treatment of this pathology in children.Materials and methods Twelve children had surgery to correct anterior skull base defects: seven patients with a spontaneous anterior basal meningoencephalocele and five with posttraumatic cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage. The defects were repaired using the endoscopic endonasal approach, which combined with the fluorescein diagnostic test, detects the exact location of the skull base defect. Different closure techniques were used to obtain a permanent graft, depending on the type, location, and size of the defect. An intraoperative fluorescein test confirmed the absence of CSF leakage after surgery.Results The follow-up period ranged from 3 to 72 months. Symptoms resolved in all patients after surgery and none of them experienced complications or recurrence of CSF leakage. Postoperative magnetic resonance scans showed that the defect had successfully been repaired in all patients.Discussion The surgical treatment of skull base defects in children reduces life-threatening risks, which include infections, CSF leaks, and enlargement or trauma of the sac. The endoscopic technique minimizes surgical scars and has little impact on brain tissue. The endoscopic endonasal approach to the anterior skull base helps to preserve the physiology of the nose and sinuses and reduces the impact on the still developing splanchnocranium in pediatric patients. It ensures a definitive repair of the defect and requires a very short inpatient period.     

A case of tracheal injury with intubation during electroconvulsive therapy

Respiratory complications related to electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) are a rare occurrence. The need for endotracheal intubation during ECT is rarely indicated. We report a case of a 47-year-old woman with severe gastroesophageal reflux disease and depression who was intubated for her first 3 ECT treatments. She developed a small tracheal tear after her third ECT treatment which resulted in subcutaneous emphysema, pneumopericardium, and pneumomediastinum. The tracheal tear resolved spontaneously and ultimately the patient underwent subsequent ECT treatments successfully without intubation. This case is the first reported case of complications related to endotracheal intubation during ECT.     

Adjusting the frequency of continuation and maintenance electroconvulsive therapy to prevent relapse of catatonic schizophrenia in middle-aged and elderly patients who are relapse-prone

The purpose of the present paper was to study the effect of continuation electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) on the prevention of relapse in middle-aged and elderly patients with intractable catatonic schizophrenia. It was found that continuation ECT is efficacious to sustain remission for patients who suffer relapse after response to acute ECT despite continuation neuroleptics. However, three patients suffered relapse during continuation ECT, therefore the effect of adjusting the frequency of continuation ECT and maintenance ECT was investigated in these patients with catatonic schizophrenia who relapsed during continuation ECT. These patients with DSM-IV catatonic schizophrenia who relapsed during continuation ECT were treated with more frequent continuation ECT and subsequent maintenance ECT after response to acute ECT. The patients' Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) scores were prospectively evaluated until relapse. Patients were considered to be relapsers if they had a BPRS score >or=37 for 3 consecutive days. The three patients with catatonic schizophrenia who relapsed during continuation ECT were treated successfully with more frequent continuation ECT and subsequent maintenance ECT. No patient experienced a severe adverse effect from continuation or maintenance ECT. More frequent continuation ECT and maintenance ECT deserves consideration in middle-aged and elderly patients with intractable catatonic schizophrenia who suffer relapse during continuation ECT. Large-scale systematic studies are warranted to investigate the optimum use of continuation and maintenance ECT in patients with catatonic schizophrenia.     

人工钛网支架应用于颅骨粉碎凹陷骨折整复成形术的临床分析

目的 探讨应用人工钛网整复严重粉碎凹陷颅骨骨折的手术效果. 方法 对自2004年1月至2009年11月兰州市第二人民医院神经外科收治的21例严重颅骨粉碎凹陷骨折患者的手术方法 及随访结果 进行回顾性分析,通过X线、CT、ECT等检查,了解颅骨的塑形情况及微粒骨的成活情况. 结果 本组21例患者术后均未出现颅骨成形术后严重并发症,塑形满意,微粒骨成活,患者均能正常工作及生活. 结论 人工钛网支架微粒骨整复成形术是一种治疗严重颅骨粉碎凹陷骨折的理想方法 ,术后塑形良好,符合人体生理解剖结构,可消除单纯人工修补材料所产生的并发症.     

Electroconvulsive therapy in a patient with multiple sclerosis and recurrent catatonia

Catatonia is a rare complication of multiple sclerosis (MS). We present a case of a 28-year-old inpatient with MS successfully treated with electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) after developing a catatonic syndrome. A subsequent relapse also responded to ECT, after which the patient received maintenance ECT for 13 months without complications. Follow-up 18 months later did not reveal any evidence of neurological deterioration. We conclude that ECT was a safe and effective treatment in this MS patient.     

Successful use of continuation electroconvulsive therapy in a case of late-onset Leonhard's confusion psychosis

A 56-year-old married woman with late-onset Leonhard's confusion psychosis was treated successfully with acute electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) after failing to respond to antidepressants, neuroleptics, and benzodiazepines. Symptoms relapsed within 1 year despite the combined use of olanzapine and paroxetine. The patient responded to a second course of acute ECT, but a second relapse occurred within 3 months despite her use of olanzapine and paroxetine. The symptoms resolved with continuation ECT and lithium combined with paroxetine after response to a third course of acute ECT. To date, relapse has been prevented for 2 years. Continuation ECT and lithium combined with paroxetine after response to acute ECT may be effective in maintaining remission of Leonhard's confusion psychosis.     

ECT in a patient with aortic aneurysm

A patient with a history of corrected Type B dissecting aortic aneurysm and current Type III dissection of the aortic arch was successfully treated with electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) without complications. During ECT, intravenous nitroprusside and esmolol drips with arterial line monitoring were used to control the rise in blood pressure and heart rate. This case provides further evidence that ECT can be administered safely to patients with aortic aneurysm.     

神经内镜下经鼻-扩大蝶窦入路术后颅底重建(附20例分析)

目的探讨神经内镜下经鼻-扩大蝶窦入路术后的颅底重建技术。方法回顾性分析20例神经内镜下经鼻-扩大蝶窦入路术后的颅底重建经验。其中鞍结节脑膜瘤7例,颅咽管瘤3例,垂体腺瘤10例。在切除肿瘤后均采用人工硬脑膜-明胶海绵和生物胶-人工硬脑膜的"三明治"式方法,同时辅以球囊支持修补材料和持续腰池引流。结果1次手术修补成功15例,短暂性脑脊液鼻漏经保守治疗治愈3例,2例2次内镜下经鼻入路行颅底重建得以修复。术后随访6个月～4年,疗效满意。结论"三明治"式修补方法加球囊支撑和持续性腰池引流,可显著降低术后脑脊液鼻漏的发生,是神经内镜下经鼻-扩大蝶窦入路术后颅底重建的可靠技术。     

Use of modified electroconvulsive therapy in a case of polymyositis presenting with delusion of nihilism of proxy (Odysseus syndrome)

We present a case of psychotic depression with polymyositis presenting with the distinct phenomenon of nihilism by proxy, which was treated with electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). A female patient with polymyositis was initially treated with pharmacotherapy. After initial response, there was deterioration in her mental state and hence, after careful consideration, neurological, and anaesthetic consultations, modified ECT was given with close monitoring. The mental state of the patient improved with a course of ECT, which proceeded without any complications. Her depressive symptoms including the delusion of nihilism by proxy responded to ECT. To the best of our knowledge, the use of ECT has not been reported in a case of polymyositis before, and this case shows that modified ECT can be given successfully in patients with polymyositis.     

内镜下扩大经鼻蝶入路术中多层技术颅底重建

目的总结内镜下扩大经鼻蝶入路鞍区及鞍旁区多层技术重建颅底的经验。方法回顾性分析12例鞍区及鞍旁区肿瘤的临床资料,其中颅咽管瘤4例,鞍区脑膜瘤3例,巨大垂体腺瘤5例;均行内镜下扩大经鼻蝶入路肿瘤切除术,并采用多层技术进行颅底重建。结果所有病例肿瘤均达全切除,颅底重建均1次修补成功。术后部分临床症状明显改善。随访3～6个月,均未出现脑脊液漏、细菌性脑膜炎和张力性气颅等并发症。结论内镜下扩大经鼻蝶入路术中多层技术重建颅底是一种简单、安全、有效的方法。     

Successful ECT in a patient with hydrocephalus, shunt, hypopituitarism, and paraplegia

A 25-year-old patient with paraplegia, hypopituitarism, hydrocephalus, and a ventriculoperitoneal shunt was successfully treated with a course of bilateral electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) for major depression. Brain imaging studies and neurology/ endocrinology consultations were obtained prior to the use of ECT. Throughout the course of ECT, his replacement hormonal therapy continued. Prior to each ECT, additional parenteral hydrocortisone was also administered. Consistent with the previously published reports, the patient did not experience any neurological deterioration. A brief review of the literature on the use of ECT in patients with panhypopituitarism, spinal cord injury, and hydrocephalus is presented.     

高密度多孔聚乙烯(Medpor)在颅骨缺损修复中的应用

目的 探讨高密度多孔聚乙烯（Medpor)在修复颅骨缺损畸形中的作用。方法 对1998年7月至2002年7月间，应用Medpor修复颅骨缺损畸形24例患进行回顾性研究。结果 术后伤口均一期愈合。随访3月-4年，外观形态满意，无明显外露，移位，活动，亦无其它并发症。结论 Medpor是目前修复颅骨缺损的理想材料。     

Electroconvulsive therapy in a 96-year-old patient with severe aortic stenosis: a case report and review of the literature

We report the safe administration of a course of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in a 96-year-old woman with severe aortic stenosis. The patient experienced a relapse of her severe depression when ECT had been withheld because of increased concerns regarding medical risk given her age and degree of aortic stenosis. Reassessment of the case confirmed severe stenosis with a valve area of 0.5 cm2 and a peak pressure gradient across the valve of 110 mm Hg. The ventricular ejection was normal at 70% however, and after a careful weighing of the risk of ECT treatment versus the risk of withholding ECT, it was decided to proceed with ECT in this case.In the event, ECT was very well tolerated by the patient, and she experienced a full remission of symptoms. She continues to receive maintenance ECT successfully at a once-per-month frequency. This case illustrates that neither age nor aortic stenosis by itself precludes ECT in the setting of severe depression. Rather, in each case, a careful weighing of the risks both of proceeding with and withholding ECT is warranted.     

计算机辅助设计的颅骨成形术治疗颞部颅骨缺损

目的研究颞部颅骨缺损的计算机辅助设计的颅骨成形术的材料制作和固定方法。方法对32例颞部颅骨缺损患者采用计算机辅助设计的颅骨成形术进行处理。头颅超薄CT扫描,了解颅骨及周围软组织的形状,制作患者缺损颅骨及颅骨缺损区周围感兴趣软组织的模型及补片模型;患者认可后制作钛合金网补片,手术植入。结果手术处理32例,补片与缺损颅骨完整适配,平均手术时间50分钟。手术并发症：2例术后出现头痛,1例于2周后、1例于4周后症状消失。术后随访3个月,无植入物松动、移位及感染发生。结论对于颞部颅骨缺损患者,根据CT的颅骨及周围软组织信息,采用计算机辅助设计颅骨成形术,制作钛合金植入材料,联合应用钛钉和加长钛螺丝将颅骨缺损补片固定在颞肌与头皮之间,可以简化手术,提高疗效。