Inquest into the Death of Louisa Betty RYAN

89y · Female·aspiration pneumonia with respiratory failure complicating major depression with catatonia in an elderly lady with underlying heart disease

Louisa Betty Ryan, 89 years old with major depression with catatonia, atrial fibrillation, pulmonary oedema, diabetes and Parkinsonism, died from aspiration pneumonia with respiratory failure following electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). She had dysphagia secondary to Parkinsonism and catatonia. After ECT on 16 May 2018, she was given thickened fluids and medications which she aspirated, causing pneumonia and subsequent deterioration. The coroner found the ECT treatment appropriate given her history of responding well to ECT and poor response to medications, though with acknowledged high risk. The death was ruled accidental. All clinical supervision, treatment and care was found appropriate, with adequate family consultation regarding risks versus the alternative of palliative care.