Multiple sclerosis and ECT: Possible value of gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance scans for identifying high-risk patients

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) has been used effectively in treating depressed patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). However, several reports have observed that some patients with MS may suffer neurological deterioration during ECT. The authors describe the outcomes of 3 depressed patients with MS who were treated with ECT. Consistent with previous works, ECT effectively treated the psychiatric symptoms; however, 1 patient deteriorated neurologically during ECT. The brain MRI findings and clinical courses of all 3 patients are discussed, along with the possible value of gadolinium-contrast MRI scans for identifying high-risk patients.