Lithium Monotherapy in Graves Thyrotoxicosis

Abstract

Lithium is not commonly used to treat thyrotoxicosis, and there are few reports in the literature of its use as initial therapy in thyrotoxicosis. We describe the case of a patient with Graves thyrotoxicosis and ophthalmopathy, on a background of autoimmune neutropenia, treated successfully with relatively long-term lithium monotherapy. Lithium was used at a lower dose and longer duration than previously reported on, to good effect. We demonstrate that lithium is an important and useful option for those who are unable to tolerate thionamide therapy.