BACKGROUND

Lithium has been known as a second-line treatment for hyperthyroidism. However, it has a narrow therapeutic range especially in patients with impaired renal function. Toxicity can cause neurological, gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, and renal symptoms, including rare cases of renal failure needing renal replacement therapy. This case report highlights a rare instance of acute lithium toxicity in a patient with multinodular goiter and chronic kidney disease, following methimazole-induced agranulocytosis.

CASE SUMMARY

A 55-year-old Filipino woman with chronic kidney disease and multinodular toxic goiter who developed methimazole-induced agranulocytosis presented with altered mental status after pre-treatment with lithium. Laboratory tests confirmed elevated lithium levels, consistent with acute lithium toxicity. She developed acute kidney injury, necessitating urgent hemodialysis with hemoperfusion. After two sessions, her neurological status and renal function improved. The patient resumed pre-treatment with carbimazole and subsequently underwent successful RAI then maintained on levothyroxine for long-term thyroid management

CONCLUSION

Lithium toxicity is rare but can cause life-threatening complications, particularly in patients with pre-existing kidney disease. Hemodialysis remains the treatment of choice for severe toxicity, significantly improving patient outcomes. Lithium toxicity can occur even within therapeutic levels, emphasizing the need for careful monitoring. This case highlights the importance of clinical vigilance when using lithium.

Human ; Female ; Middle Aged: 45-64 Yrs Old ; Agranulocytosis ; Goiter ; Lithium ; Methimazole ; Patients ; Research Report

BACKGROUND: Overlap syndrome is a large group of condition that manifests with symptoms from two or more autoimmune conditions and satisfies the diagnostic criteria of at least two connective tissue diseases in the same patient. This condition might be unrecognized by the primary care physician and underreported.
CASE: A 30-year-old female had a 10-week history of non-pruritic erythematous macules on her face that gradually spread to her trunk, and upper extremities which progressed to hyperpigmented macules and tightening of the skin. There was note of hair loss, anemia, ulcerating wounds on distal extremities and finger tips. She then developed generalized body weakness and easy fatigability. Physical and laboratory examinations were consistent with SLE and scleroderma. 2D-echocardiogram showed a large pericardial effusion and pulmonary hypertension. She was treated with prednisone and azathioprine which in less than a week, diminished significantly the pericardial effusion. Patient also complained of a few day history of unilateral blurring of vision which turned out to be central retinal artery occlusion.
CONCLUSION: Overlap syndrome is a disease entity to consider in patients with multiple symptoms that cannot be classified into one connective tissue disease. Treatment of this disease should be individualized and based on the connective tissue diseases involved.

Human ; Female ; Adult ; Prednisone ; Azathioprine ; Pericardial Effusion ; Connective Tissue Diseases ; Torso ; Extremities ; Hypertension, Pulmonary ; Alopecia ; Anemia ; Retinal Artery Occlusion