SEVERE LITHIUM CHLORIDE POISONING WITH COMPLETE RECOVERY

Abstract

This syndrome followed the use of a commercial salt substitute containing lithium chloride, citric acid and potassium iodide. The changes which occurred were profound and severe, yet transient, and the patient made a rapid and complete recovery. The signal symptoms and signs as they successively occurred over a period of a week included anorexia, rapid change in personality, lethargy, dysphagia and pain on swallowing, bradycardia, cutaneous hyperesthesia and hyperalgesia, muscular hyperirritability, profound general and multiple myoclonus and mental obfuscation. <h3>REPORT OF CASE</h3> The patient was an 82 year old man previously rather vigorous and alert. He was hospitalized January 9 at the Cedars of Lebanon Hospital, Los Angeles, on arrival from another locale for further convalescence. Immediate previous diagnoses included: (1) simple fractures, right fourth, fifth and sixth ribs incurred Dec. 11, 1948; (2) rectal prolapse; (3) urinary bladder retention and infection; (4) bronchopneumonia with onset on Dec. 27, 1948,