Lithium intoxication causing ST segment elevation and wandering atrial rhythms in an elderly patient

Cardiol J. 2010;17(4):404-7.

Abstract

Lithium overdoses causing cardiotoxicity are uncommon and electrocardiographic changes suggesting myocardial ischemia are rare. However, some authors have specifically reported the occurrence of ischemic electrocardiography changes due to a lithium overdose. This paper describes a case where electrocardiography changes mimic inferior myocardial infarction during the course of chronic lithium treatment in an elderly patient. The patient's electrocardiography changes were partially resolved after hemodialysis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Antidepressive Agents / adverse effects*
  • Arrhythmias, Cardiac / chemically induced*
  • Arrhythmias, Cardiac / physiopathology
  • Arrhythmias, Cardiac / therapy
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Drug Overdose / therapy
  • Electrocardiography
  • Female
  • Heart Atria / drug effects
  • Heart Atria / physiopathology
  • Hemodynamics / drug effects
  • Humans
  • Lithium Compounds / adverse effects*
  • Myocardial Infarction / diagnosis*
  • Renal Dialysis
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Antidepressive Agents
  • Lithium Compounds