Rhabdomyolysis, Acute Renal Failure, Endocrine Alterations and Neurological Sequelae in a Case of Lithium Selfpoisoning

After ingestion of 15 g. of lithium carbonate a 38-year-old man presented hyperthermia, a 4-week stuporous state, muscular & reflex hyperirritability, attacks of opisthotonos, nontraumatic rhabdomyolysis, acute renal failure & a severe, prolonged but reversible primary testicular failure. Cerebral atrophy, dysmetria, dysarthria, ataxia & hyperreflexia were still present after 1 year. Thus, acute lithium overdosage may be life-threatening, affect various organs & cause persistent brain damage.