Lithium induced renal disease

Last revised by Mostafa Elfeky on 10 Jun 2023

Lithium induced renal disease is characterized by a progressive decline in renal function, evidenced by increasing serum creatinine and decreased creatinine clearance. The lithium salt causes direct injury to the renal tubules. The duration of lithium therapy increases the risk of progression to end-stage renal disease (ESRD), however, discontinuation of medication may not necessarily halt the progression to ESRD.

Patients present with signs and symptoms of slowly progressive chronic renal failure or diabetes insipidus.

Renal biopsy demonstrates tubular atrophy, glomerulosclerosis, chronic interstitial nephritis, and distal tubular dilatation with microcyst formation 1.

Unique imaging appearance of numerous uniform microcysts and punctate echogenic foci which may be cortical or medullary in origin 2. The kidneys are normal in size.

  • may show microcalcifications within the microcysts in the renal medulla and cortex
  • T2: abundance of microcysts as small hyperintense 1-2 mm round lesions distributed randomly in the renal medulla and cortex 3

ADVERTISEMENT: Supporters see fewer/no ads

Updating… Please wait.

 Unable to process the form. Check for errors and try again.

 Thank you for updating your details.