[Myasthenic syndrome induced by lithium].
BACKGROUND
Lithium salts can induce a dysfunction of the neuromuscular junction.


METHODS
A patient given lithium for bipolar psychosis developed a state of major fatigue revealing a myasthenia syndrome which resolved progressively after lithium withdrawal.


CONCLUSIONS
In the literature, we found 4 cases of neuromuscular junction disorders in patients treated with lithium. A myasthenia syndrome was induced by lithium in 3 cases and underlying myasthenia was disclosed by lithium in the last one. The long-term course in our patient was in favor of an induced syndrome rather than underlying myasthenia. We discuss the pathophysiological mechanisms. Lithium is a commonly prescribed drug. Clinicians should be aware of the possibility of neuromuscular junction disorder in patients taking lithium who develop muscle fatigue.
Ronzière
T
T
Service de Neurologie, CHU Pontchaillou, Rennes.
Auzou
P
P
Ozsancak
C
C
Magnier
P
P
Sénant
J
J
Hannequin
D
D
D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018692:Antimanic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001569:Benzodiazepines; D001714:Bipolar Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy; D002220:Carbamazepine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005221:Fatigue / Q000139:chemically induced; D006801:Humans; D008094:Lithium / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018908:Muscle Weakness / Q000139:chemically induced; D009157:Myasthenia Gravis / Q000139:chemically induced*; D009469:Neuromuscular Junction / Q000187:drug effects
D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents; D018692:Antimanic Agents; D001569:Benzodiazepines; D002220:Carbamazepine; D008094:Lithium
Syndrome myasthénique induit par le lithium.