Sinus bradycardia with haemodynamic compromise following lithium intoxication.

Garrett Michael Snipes, Adam Hafeez, George Marek, David E Winchester

BMJ case reports 2021 May 13

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Lithium is a well-established treatment for mood disorders and considered first-line pharmacological therapy for bipolar disorder as per the American Psychiatric Association guidelines. However, lithium is associated with significant toxicity. Cardiotoxicity including sinus node dysfunction is a rare but clinically significant presentation of lithium intoxication. This case report describes an adult male presenting with unstable sinus bradycardia in the setting of acute kidney injury and elevated serum lithium levels. The patient required temporary management with inotropic support and transcutaneous pacing. The patient's heart rate and hypotension improved in parallel with resolution of his acute kidney injury and elevated serum lithium level after treatment with intravenous fluids. Given the prevalence of bradycardia in both the outpatient and inpatient settings, a high index of suspicion is necessary for the prevention and identification of this clinical entity to guide appropriate management. © BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2021. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.

Citation

Garrett Michael Snipes, Adam Hafeez, George Marek, David E Winchester. Sinus bradycardia with haemodynamic compromise following lithium intoxication. BMJ case reports. 2021 May 13;14(5)