Acute Atrial Fibrillation as an Unusual Form of Cardiotoxicity in Chronic Lithium Overdose

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Clinical Toxicology

Background:

• Lithium is a common mood stabilizer with known neurologic and cardiac side effects.
• Cardiac manifestations of lithium toxicity typically include arrhythmias and conduction abnormalities.
• Atrial fibrillation is a rare complication of lithium overdose.

Observation:

• A patient presented with symptoms suggestive of chronic lithium overdose.
• The patient developed acute atrial fibrillation during the course of their treatment.

Findings:

• The case demonstrates a rare occurrence of atrial fibrillation secondary to chronic lithium overdose.
• This finding expands the spectrum of known cardiac complications associated with lithium toxicity.

Implications:

• Clinicians should consider lithium toxicity in patients presenting with new-onset atrial fibrillation, especially those with a history of lithium use.
• Monitoring for cardiac side effects is crucial in patients undergoing lithium therapy.
• This case underscores the importance of recognizing uncommon presentations of drug toxicity.