QTc dispersion in patients referred for electroconvulsive therapy

Objective: To determine the presence of possible risk factors for arrhythmias during electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) by assessing QTc dispersion on the baseline electrocardiogram. Method: The pre-ECT electrocardiogram on 105 patients was examined, and QTc dispersion was calculated. This was correlated with presence or absence of cardiac conditions and various psychotropic medications being used by the patients. Results: Neither age nor sex was associated with QTc dispersion. Presence of cardiac illness also was not associated with prolongation of QTc dispersion. None of the psychotropic medication classes, including atypical antipsychotics, were associated with prolongation of QTc dispersion either. Conclusion: In patients referred for ECT, baseline QTc dispersion does not correlate with presence of cardiac illness or concomitant psychotropic usage.