Rhabdomyolysis, Acute Renal Failure, Endocrine Alterations and Neurological Sequelae in a Case of Lithium Selfpoisoning

Summary

After ingestion of 15 g of lithium carbonate a 38-year-old man presented hyperthermia, a 4-week stuporous state, muscular and reflex hyperirritability, attacks of opisthotonos, nontraumatic rhabdomyolysis, acute renal failure, and a severe, prolonged but reversible primary testicular failure. Cerebral atrophy, dysmetria, dysarthria, ataxia and hyperreflexia were still present after one year.

Thus, acute lithium overdosage may be lifethreatening, affect various organs, and cause persistent brain damage.