Sinus node dysfunction in association with chronic lithium therapy: a case report and review of literature.
Lithium is derived from the Greek word "lithia" which means "stone." Since its discovery by the Swedish chemist Arfedsson in the year 1817, it has been used for treatment of gout, hypertension, uremia, and rheumatism. Currently, lithium is the treatment of choice for the long-term control of mania and to prevent relapse in bipolar disorder. It has a narrow therapeutic index (0.6-1.2 mEq/L). Lithium overdose has been associated with a wide range of cardiovascular complications including cardiac arrhythmias and interstitial myocarditis. We present a review of published cases relevant to lithium-related cardiotoxicity.
Division of Internal Medicine and Cardiovascular Diseases, Long Island College Hospital, Brooklyn, NY 11201, USA. stalati@chpnet.org
Sapan N
SN
Talati
Ahmad F
AF
Aslam
Balendu
B
Vasavada
D004562:Electrocardiography / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D018020:Lithium Compounds / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012804:Sick Sinus Syndrome / Q000139:chemically induced*
D018020:Lithium Compounds