Unusual findings on cystoscopy in a patient with detrusor overactivity. 

<br/><br/> BACKGROUND: Chronic lithium ingestion has been shown to cause polyuria and polydipsia in 20% to 40% of patients, secondary to diabetes insipidus. However, it has not been reported to cause lithium deposition in the bladder.  CASE: A 77-year-old woman presented to our clinic with complaints of urinary incontinence, urinary urgency, and nocturnal enuresis for the past 3 to 4 years. She denied polydipsia. Her medical history was significant for bipolar disorder for which she had been on lithium therapy for more than 10 years. Metallic deposition was noted in the suburothelium of a urethral biopsy by gross inspection.  CONCLUSION: Suburothelial deposition of metal may act as a bladder irritant and account for this patient's overactive bladder symptoms. 
<br/><br/><br/>English 
<br/><br/><label>ISSN: </label>2151-8378 
<br/><br/><label>Subjects--Topical Terms: </label><br/>*Cystoscopy<br/>*Lithium Compounds/pk [Pharmacokinetics]<br/>*Urinary Bladder, Overactive/et [Etiology]<br/>*Urothelium/ch [Chemistry]<br/>Aged<br/>Bipolar Disorder/dt [Drug Therapy]<br/>Female<br/>Humans<br/>Lithium Compounds/tu [Therapeutic Use]<br/>Urethra/ch [Chemistry]<br/>Urinary Bladder/ch [Chemistry]
<br/><br/><label>Subjects--Geographic Terms: </label><br/>MedStar Washington Hospital Center
<br/><br/><label>Index Terms--Occupation: </label><br/>Obstetrics and Gynecology/Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery
<br/><br/><label>Index Terms--Function: </label><br/>Case Reports<br/>Journal Article