Myocardial stunning after electroconvulsive therapy in patients with an apparently normal heart.

Myocardial stunning refers to contractile dysfunction that persists after an ischemic episode and restoration of coronary blood flow. In this article, 2 cases of myocardial stunning after electroconvulsive therapy in patients with an apparently normal heart are presented. The incidence of this condition is unknown. It is observed that this condition seems to occur in females and in the obese and is generally associated with rapid recovery. This occurrence seems to be brought about by autonomic changes that occur during electroconvulsive therapy. Several drugs have been used to ameliorate the condition, although studies were limited to establish efficacy of regimens.