MRI Findings in Chronic Lithium Nephropathy: A Case Report

Authors

  • Aubrey Jade Slaughter
  • Tarun Pandey
  • Kedar Jambhekar

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3941/jrcr.v4i8.470

Keywords:

MRI, Lithium Nephropathy, Renal Microcysts

Abstract

Patients on long term lithium therapy for affective disorders may develop renal toxicity. It may manifest as nephrogenic diabetes insipidus with renal biopsy showing interstitial fibrosis, sclerotic glomeruli and cyst formation. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrates the presence of microcysts in patients on long-term lithium therapy, suggesting a possible cause for their nephrotoxicity.  We describe the typical magnetic resonance imaging appearance of renal microcysts in a 53 year old woman on chronic lithium therapy.

Author Biographies

Aubrey Jade Slaughter

Department of Radiology

Diagnostic Radiology Resident

 

Tarun Pandey

Department of Radiology

Assistant Professor

Kedar Jambhekar

Department of Radiology

Assistant Professor

Published

2010-07-30

Issue

Section

Genitourinary Radiology