It is not clear whether electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a safe procedure in depressed older adults with unrepaired abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). ECT is potentially incriminating to the cardiovascular system due to a transiently elevation of blood pressure and heart rate during the seizure.

To report a case of an older adult presenting a psychotic depression complicated by an unrepaired AAA.

To report a case study, describing the safety of ECT in patients with unrepaired AAA.

A case report and retrospective review was conducted.

A 75-year-old male was admitted to hospital for the treatment of a psychotic depression. Treatment was complicated since for one year he was diagnosed with an AAA (diameter 4.7 cm). In collaboration with vascular surgeons and anesthesiologists we decided to start ECT. After fourteen ECTs an improvement of mood was achieved. Post-ECT we noticed an AAA expansion of 0.1 cm.

Our findings indicate that ECT may be a safe procedure for patients diagnosed with unrepaired AAA. Published data suggest that the risk for aortic aneurysm rupture during ECT is low. However, multidisciplinary collaboration among psychiatrists, anesthesiologists and vascular surgeons is essential for a positive outcome.

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.