Case Report

Lithium-associated Hypothyroidism and Thyroid Papillary Carcinoma: A Case Report

Authors: Sercan Aksoy, MD, Saadettin Kilickap, MD, Mustafa Erman, MD

Abstract

Ionizing radiation, some hereditary factors, and chronic thyroid-stimulating hormone elevation increases the risk of differentiated thyroid carcinoma. Lithium salts are used in the treatment of affective (mood) disorders as well as a variety of other psychiatric conditions. There have been occasional reports of hematologic and solid neoplasms associated with lithium use. We report a patient who developed hypothyroidism and subsequently, thyroid papillary carcinoma while on lithium treatment for bipolar affective disorder.


Key Points


* Ionizing radiation, some hereditary factors, and chronic thyroid-stimulating hormone elevation increase the risk for differentiated thyroid carcinoma.


* Lithium salts are used in the treatment of affective (mood) disorders as well as a variety of other psychiatric conditions.


* There have been occasional reports of lithium-induced hematologic neoplasms (eg, acute leukemia, chronic myeloid leukemia), but a causal relationship to the drug has not been established. So far, 4 cases of lithium-associated thyroid carcinoma have been reported.


* All patients taking lithium should undergo close surveillance for thyroid dysfunction and neoplasia, and appropriate surgical and medical interventions should be carried out when necessary.

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