Electroconvulsive therapy in the presence of brain tumor. Case reports and an evaluation of risk.

The clinical basis for the long established contraindication of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in the presence of brain tumor is reviewed, as is the recent literature that has questioned the absolute nature of that contraindication. A need for a specific estimate of risk is noted. Seven retrospective case reports are added to the 28 cases reported in the literature. The clinical case report data are then pooled and evaluated by outcome. Results indicate a 74 per cent overall morbidity, including a 28 per cent 1-month mortality rate for patients with brain tumors who receive ECT. Twenty-one per cent of the patients had a positive behavioral response to ECT without complication.