A 62-year-old man dies shortly after an otherwise uncomplicated ECT session. Autopsy excludes aspiration and status epilepticus. Which complication is the most common cause of death associated with ECT?
- A Aspiration pneumonitis
- B Cardiac arrhythmia ✓
- C Intracranial haemorrhage
- D Prolonged apnoea from suxamethonium
Correct answer: B. Cardiac arrhythmia
Explanation
ECT mortality is low, roughly 1 to 2 deaths per 100,000 treatments, comparable to the risk of general anaesthesia alone. Cardiovascular complications, especially arrhythmia during and immediately after the induced seizure, account for the majority of ECT related deaths. Aspiration is prevented by fasting and airway control, and prolonged apnoea from pseudocholinesterase deficiency causes morbidity rather than the typical fatality.
Reference: Kaplan and Sadock's Synopsis of Psychiatry, 11th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.