Lithium-induced cardiotoxicity mimicking Acute Coronary Syndrome: a case report
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Date
2025
Authors
Azadian, Anahita
Chahrour, Houssein
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
UCC Medical Research and Technology Society
Published Version
Abstract
Introduction: Lithium toxicity, a complication of chronic lithium therapy used in the treatment of bipolar disorder (BPD), commonly presents with gastrointestinal and neurological symptoms. However, rare cardiac manifestations of lithium cardiotoxicity can occur. This case describes a 51-year-old woman with BPD on long-term lithium therapy who developed neurological symptoms (confusion, resting tremor, dysarthria). Investigations were notable for elevated troponin levels and transthoracic echocardiogram revealed a novel reduced left ventricular ejection fraction. Coronary artery disease and other potential causes were ruled out, and lithium-induced cardiotoxicity was determined to be the etiology of the patient’s presentation. Methods: A thorough clinical evaluation was conducted, including history, physical examination, and diagnostic testing. Investigations included an electrocardiogram (ECG), transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE), coronary angiography, chest X-ray, neuroimaging (CT and MRI brain), and blood
Description
Keywords
Case report , Lithium-induced cardiotoxicity , Acute Coronary Syndrome
Citation
Azadian, A. and Chahrour, H. (2025) 'Lithium-induced cardiotoxicity mimicking Acute Coronary Syndrome: a case report', UCC Student Medical Journal, 5, p. 105. https://doi.org/10.33178/SMJ.2025.1.31