Pseudotumor cerebri associated with lithium use in an 11-year-old boy.

Abstract

Pseudotumor cerebri, also termed idiopathic intracranial hypertension, is defined by increased intracranial pressure in the setting of normal brain imaging and cerebrospinal fluid analysis. It can often be associated with optic nerve head edema. Several medications have been associated with pseudotumor cerebri,(1) including the use of lithium carbonate in the adult population(3) as well as in adolescents.(4) Signs and symptoms of increased intracranial pressure typically resolve after cessation of lithium carbonate usage.(5) We report a case of the onset of pseudotumor cerebri associated with lithium treatment in a child who sustained long-term optic atrophy and vision loss and required acetazolamide treatment for approximately 1 year after cessation of lithium.

• Authors: Stephen J Kelly, Thomas O'Donnell, James C Fleming, Stephanie Einhaus
• Journal: Journal of AAPOS : the official publication of the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus (J AAPOS) Vol. 13 Issue 2 Pg. 204-6 (Apr 2009) ISSN: 1528-3933 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 19393521 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Antimanic Agents
• Lithium Carbonate

Topics

• Antimanic Agents (adverse effects)
• Bipolar Disorder (therapy)
• Child
• Headache (etiology)
• Humans
• Lithium Carbonate (adverse effects)
• Male
• Pseudotumor Cerebri (chemically induced, complications)
• Vision Disorders (etiology)