Atypical Cholinesterase and Prolonged Apnea During Electroconvulsive Therapy.

A 62-year-old man developed prolonged apnea during ECT with succinylcholine. He was found to have atypical cholinesterase. Subsequent ECTs were given using atracurium as the muscle relaxant. A review of the finding of atypical cholinesterase is presented along with a discussion of the use of atracurium.