Complete AV-block secondary to lithium-clozapine therapy and relapsing multiple sclerosis in a bipolar patient

BMJ Case Rep. 2011 Dec 1:2011:bcr1020115030. doi: 10.1136/bcr.10.2011.5030.

Abstract

A complete atrioventricular block (CAVB) can be a lethal complication when it is not treated directly with isoprenaline and pacemaker therapy. The overall incidence of CAVB varies between 4 to 8 per cent with a mortality OR of 3.2 within 30 days if untreated. Main causes of CAVB are inferior myocardial infarction, congenital AV node malformation, mitral valve insufficiency and valve surgery, metabolic disorders and intoxications. The authors describe a case with a CAVB due to lithium-clozapine therapy and relapsing multiple sclerosis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Antipsychotic Agents / adverse effects*
  • Atrioventricular Block / chemically induced*
  • Atrioventricular Block / drug therapy
  • Bipolar Disorder / complications*
  • Bipolar Disorder / drug therapy
  • Cardiotonic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Clozapine / adverse effects*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Isoproterenol / therapeutic use
  • Lithium / adverse effects*
  • Middle Aged
  • Multiple Sclerosis / complications*
  • Pacemaker, Artificial
  • Recurrence

Substances

  • Antipsychotic Agents
  • Cardiotonic Agents
  • Lithium
  • Clozapine
  • Isoproterenol