ABSTRACT
Lithium salts (lithium) is a psychotropic drug widely used as a pharmacological option in managing bipolar disorder. Regular monitoring of serum levels is necessary due to the narrow therapeutic range of lithium. Typically, the diagnosis of lithium intoxication is based on the presence of elevated plasma levels. Nevertheless, poisoning can ensue from either acute ingestion or chronic use, even in patients with normal plasma levels. The utilization of lithium has been decreasing due to its potential for multiorgan toxicity. Lithium accumulation in renal distal tubular cells is a prevalent cause of acquired arginine vasopressin resistance (AVP-R), previously known as nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (DI). Some patients might also experience neurologic persistent symptoms after plasma level normalization, a condition known as the syndrome of irreversible lithium-effectuated neurotoxicity (SILENT). We present a case report of acquired AVP-R following prolonged lithium use. This case report aims to increase awareness, particularly among those who may be unfamiliar with the use of lithium and its associated adverse reactions. In addition, it seeks to highlight the dissociation between clinical manifestations and lithium plasma levels, emphasizing the need for careful evaluation in patients receiving lithium treatment.
ABSTRACT
Wolff-Chaikoff effect (WCE) is an acute physiologic response of the thyroid gland to high levels of iodine. The WCE is usually temporary, and the thyroid gland adjusts to high iodine levels within days or weeks. It is a protective mechanism and a failure to escape from it can result in thyroid dysfunction. Hypothyroidism is rare but more likely in patients who have had thyroid disease, are under stress, or are exposed to high iodine concentrations for a long time. The use of iodinated contrast media in radiologic studies or invasive medical procedures is a common source of excessive iodine exposure and can lead to thyroid disfunction. Despite the frequent use of contrast media in health care, the thyroid dysfunction associated with their use is poorly recognized. We report a patient who developed iodine-induced hypothyroidism after chemoembolization of recurrent chylothorax with ethiodized oil (Lipiodol®, Villepinte, France). This case report raises awareness of the importance of the physiologic WCE as well as the relevance of monitoring thyroid function when using iodinated contrast media in patients with specific risk factors.
ABSTRACT
Primary central nervous system vasculitis (PCNSV) is a rare cause of ischemic stroke and is considered idiopathic in most cases. PCNSV can present with a wide variety of neurological manifestations and should be considered in the differential diagnosis of ischemic stroke, particularly if the neurological deficit cannot be explained by the affected vascular area or when it is multifocal. The diagnosis of PCNSV is relevant because the required therapy differs from the treatments commonly used for frequent ischemic strokes. We report the case of a 64-year-old woman admitted for an ischemic stroke with a right frontal cortico-subcortical ischemic lesion. The etiological investigation documented multiple intracranial arterial stenoses. Secondary causes of central nervous system vasculitis were excluded. The patient refused a brain biopsy, and corticosteroid therapy was initiated due to high suspicion of PCNSV, supported by findings from transcranial Doppler ultrasound and brain magnetic resonance angiography. The patient had a positive clinical outcome and did not have any recurrences while under therapy. This case raises awareness of the importance of considering PCNSV in the differential diagnosis of ischemic stroke. It emphasizes the importance of promptly initiating therapy to minimize PCNSV-associated complications.
