Cytotoxic Lesion of the Corpus Callosum in a Patient with Acute-on-chronic Lithium Toxicity

Internal Medicine 2026 Open access

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Authors: Takeshi Miura, Teruki Kuroshita, Yosui Higuchi, Minori Ohno, Ayano Notsuyu, Takuya Fushino, Takahiro Ono, Natsumi Tomisawa, Keishun Boku, Yuki Enomoto, Yoshiaki Inoue
DOI: 10.2169/internalmedicine.6327-25
Cited by: 1
References: 10

Abstract

A 30-year-old woman with history of bipolar disorder presented to the emergency department with impaired consciousness and myoclonus following regular lithium treatment. Brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed a hyperintense lesion in the splenium of the corpus callosum, consistent with cytotoxic lesions of the corpus callosum (CLOCCs). Serum lithium levels were markedly elevated (3.54 mmol/L), and acute-on-chronic lithium toxicity was diagnosed. Hemodialysis and supportive care resulted in clinical and radiological recovery. This case highlights that CLOCCs may serve as important neuroimaging evidence of lithium toxicity and may support an early diagnosis and treatment, especially in patients with long-term lithium use.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Infectious Encephalopathies and Encephalitis Bipolar Disorder and Treatment Epilepsy research and treatment

Publication details

Journal / source
Internal Medicine
Publisher
Japanese Society of Internal Medicine
Volume
65
Issue
17
Pages
2395–2399
Publication date
31 January 2026
Language
EN