title: Lithium toxicity and PRES: a novel association.
abstract: We report two cases of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) occurring in association with supra-therapeutic serum lithium levels. Although the neurologic manifestations of lithium toxicity are well known, this is, to our knowledge, the first report describing a link between lithium toxicity and PRES. We discuss the current understanding of the pathogenesis of PRES and suggest mechanisms by which lithium may play a role in its development.
authors.affiliation: University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Department of Radiology, Neuroradiology Division, Little Rock, AR.
authors.forename: Ryan T
authors.initials: RT
authors.lastname: Fitzgerald
authors.forename: Caris T
authors.initials: CT
authors.lastname: Fitzgerald
authors.forename: Rohan S
authors.initials: RS
authors.lastname: Samant
authors.forename: Manoj
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kumar
authors.forename: Raghu
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Ramakrishniah
authors.forename: Rudy
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Van Hemert
authors.forename: Edgardo J
authors.initials: EJ
authors.lastname: Angtuaco
mesh_terms: D001921:Brain / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D018020:Lithium Compounds / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D054038:Posterior Leukoencephalopathy Syndrome / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000473:pathology*
chemical_list: D018020:Lithium Compounds
keywords: Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome; hypertensive encephalopathy; lithium; seizure