title: Lithium nephropathy: unique sonographic findings.
abstract: This case series describes a unique sonographic appearance consisting of numerous microcysts and punctate echogenic foci seen on renal sonograms of 10 adult patients receiving chronic lithium therapy. Clinically, chronic renal insufficiency was present in 6 and nephrogenic diabetes insipidus in 2. Sonography showed numerous microcysts and punctate echogenic foci. Computed tomography in 5 patients confirmed microcysts and microcalcifications, which were fewer in number than on sonography. Magnetic resonance imaging in 2 patients confirmed microcysts in each case. Renal biopsy in 1 patient showed chronic interstitial nephritis, microcysts, and tubular dilatation. The diagnosis of lithium nephropathy should be considered when sonography shows these findings.
authors.affiliation: Division of Ultrasound Services, Department of Imaging, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA. ddisalvo@partners.org
authors.forename: Donald N
authors.initials: DN
authors.lastname: Di Salvo
authors.forename: Joseph
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Park
authors.forename: Faye C
authors.initials: FC
authors.lastname: Laing
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007674:Kidney Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D018020:Lithium Compounds / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D014463:Ultrasonography
chemical_list: D000928:Antidepressive Agents; D018020:Lithium Compounds