Lithium Toxicity: A Case Report of Toxicity Resulting in a Third-degree Heart Block.

Authors

Samantha L. Gaetani MD, Lehigh Valley Health NetworkFollow
Alexandra Amaducci, Lehigh Valley Health NetworkFollow
Derek J. Fikse DO, Lehigh Valley Health NetworkFollow
Andrew L. Koons DO, Lehigh Valley Health NetworkFollow

Publication/Presentation Date

2-1-2024

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Lithium is a medication used to treat bipolar disorder. It has a narrow therapeutic index, which frequently causes toxicity in patients.

CASE REPORT: We present an unusual case of a 66-year-old female with a history of bipolar disorder on chronic lithium, who developed a third-degree heart block, encephalopathy, and acute renal failure because of lithium toxicity.

CONCLUSION: This case highlights a rare but life-threatening case of complete heart block in the setting of lithium toxicity. The patient was treated with hemodialysis and pacemaker placement.

Volume

8

Issue

1

First Page

53

Last Page

56

ISSN

2474-252X

Published In/Presented At

Gaetani, S. L., Amaducci, A. M., Fikse, D., & Koons, A. L. (2024). Lithium Toxicity: A Case Report of Toxicity Resulting in a Third-degree Heart Block. Clinical practice and cases in emergency medicine, 8(1), 53–56. https://doi.org/10.5811/cpcem.1442

Disciplines

Medicine and Health Sciences

PubMedID

38546313

Department(s)

Department of Emergency Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine Faculty, Department of Emergency Medicine Residents, Toxicology Division, Fellows and Residents

Document Type

Article