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[Myasthenic syndrome induced by lithium]
T Ronzière1, P Auzou, C Ozsancak
1Service de Neurologie, CHU Pontchaillou, Rennes.
Background:
Lithium salts can induce a dysfunction of the neuromuscular junction.
Case Report:
A patient given lithium for bipolar psychosis developed a state of major fatigue revealing a myasthenia syndrome which resolved progressively after lithium withdrawal.
Discussion:
In the literature, we found 4 cases of neuromuscular junction disorders in patients treated with lithium. A myasthenia syndrome was induced by lithium in 3 cases and underlying myasthenia was disclosed by lithium in the last one. The long-term course in our patient was in favor of an induced syndrome rather than underlying myasthenia. We discuss the pathophysiological mechanisms. Lithium is a commonly prescribed drug. Clinicians should be aware of the possibility of neuromuscular junction disorder in patients taking lithium who develop muscle fatigue.