Clinical Practice and Cases in Emergency Medicine (Jan 2024)

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

  • Samantha L. Gaetani,
  • Alexandra M. Amaducci,
  • Derek Fikse,
  • Andrew L. Koons

DOI
https://doi.org/10.5811/cpcem.1442
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 8, no. 1
pp. 53 – 56

Abstract

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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.