title: Complete atrioventricular block secondary to lithium therapy.
abstract: Sinus node dysfunction has been reported most frequently among the adverse cardiovascular effects of lithium. In the present case, complete atrioventricular (AV) block with syncopal attacks developed secondary to lithium therapy, necessitating permanent pacemaker implantation. Serum lithium levels remained under or within the therapeutic range during the syncopal attacks. Lithium should be used with extreme caution, especially in patients with mild disturbance of AV conduction.
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiology, National Hospital Organization, Iwakuni Clinic Center, Iwakuni, Japan. shiraki@iwakuni-nh.go.jp
authors.forename: Teruo
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Shiraki
authors.forename: Kunihisa
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Kohno
authors.forename: Daiji
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Saito
authors.forename: Hiroki
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Takayama
authors.forename: Akira
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Fujimoto
mesh_terms: D018692:Antimanic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D054537:Atrioventricular Block / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D001714:Bipolar Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004562:Electrocardiography; D006329:Heart Conduction System / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D016651:Lithium Carbonate / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010138:Pacemaker, Artificial
chemical_list: D018692:Antimanic Agents; D016651:Lithium Carbonate