E-ISSN 3156-4585 | ISSN 3156-3813
 

Case Report 


Penile Telescoping, Dermatological and Multisystem Adverse Effects of Lithium Therapy in a Middle-aged Man: A Case Report in a Resource-limited Setting

Oluyinka Emmanuel Majekodunmi, Fatimah Abidemi Oladapo, Yesiru Adeyemi Kareem, Precious Akinnusi, Sikiru Akanbi, Joseph Ogunyemi, Victor Femi Amodu.


Abstract
This case is unique because it involves multiple lithium adverse effects in one patient, showcasing a rare dermatological and genital complication. It has longitudinal laboratory monitoring (lithium assays); it brings to light challenges of drug access in low-resource settings and the impact of all the above on patients' quality of life.
A retrospective descriptive case report of a patient on long-term lithium therapy being managed for bipolar affective disorder in a tertiary facility, prepared following the CARE (CAse REport) guidelines.
Analysis of serum lithium assays, electrocardiography readings, thyroid function tests, and kidney function tests spanning across 8-10 years was done, followed by correlation of the temporal changes in serum lithium levels and dosing to the clinical findings to assess lithium toxicity patterns.
Specialist evaluations were extrapolated to characterize the systemic manifestations and rare complications.
Longitudinal serum lithium levels, assessed at intervals not exceeding three months, demonstrated values within the therapeutic range. Despite this, the patient developed multisystem complications, including psoriatic plaques involving the limbs, genitals, and umbilicus. Metabolic complications included significant weight gain, hypertension, and subclinical hypothyroidism. Progression to chronic kidney disease evidenced by an eGFR of 56ml/min/1.73m², genitourinary complications notably penile telescoping.
The patient's lithium levels were mostly within the accepted therapeutic range, yet he developed multi-organ complications and a rare genital complication (acquired penile telescoping). This emphasizes the need for proactive clinical inquiry about the whole system for patients on lithium therapy.

Key words: Lithium, Adverse-effects, Case report, BAD, Penile telescoping


 
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How to Cite this Article
Pubmed Style

Majekodunmi OE, Oladapo FA, Kareem YA, Akinnusi P, Akanbi S, Ogunyemi J, Amodu VF. Penile Telescoping, Dermatological and Multisystem Adverse Effects of Lithium Therapy in a Middle-aged Man: A Case Report in a Resource-limited Setting. GMJ. 2026; 1(1): 53-63. doi:10.5455/GMJ.328647


Web Style

Majekodunmi OE, Oladapo FA, Kareem YA, Akinnusi P, Akanbi S, Ogunyemi J, Amodu VF. Penile Telescoping, Dermatological and Multisystem Adverse Effects of Lithium Therapy in a Middle-aged Man: A Case Report in a Resource-limited Setting. https://www.gatemedjournal.org/?mno=328647 [Access: July 26, 2026]. doi:10.5455/GMJ.328647


AMA (American Medical Association) Style

Majekodunmi OE, Oladapo FA, Kareem YA, Akinnusi P, Akanbi S, Ogunyemi J, Amodu VF. Penile Telescoping, Dermatological and Multisystem Adverse Effects of Lithium Therapy in a Middle-aged Man: A Case Report in a Resource-limited Setting. GMJ. 2026; 1(1): 53-63. doi:10.5455/GMJ.328647



Vancouver/ICMJE Style

Majekodunmi OE, Oladapo FA, Kareem YA, Akinnusi P, Akanbi S, Ogunyemi J, Amodu VF. Penile Telescoping, Dermatological and Multisystem Adverse Effects of Lithium Therapy in a Middle-aged Man: A Case Report in a Resource-limited Setting. GMJ. (2026), [cited July 26, 2026]; 1(1): 53-63. doi:10.5455/GMJ.328647



Harvard Style

Majekodunmi, O. E., Oladapo, . F. A., Kareem, . Y. A., Akinnusi, . P., Akanbi, . S., Ogunyemi, . J. & Amodu, . V. F. (2026) Penile Telescoping, Dermatological and Multisystem Adverse Effects of Lithium Therapy in a Middle-aged Man: A Case Report in a Resource-limited Setting. GMJ, 1 (1), 53-63. doi:10.5455/GMJ.328647



Turabian Style

Majekodunmi, Oluyinka Emmanuel, Fatimah Abidemi Oladapo, Yesiru Adeyemi Kareem, Precious Akinnusi, Sikiru Akanbi, Joseph Ogunyemi, and Victor Femi Amodu. 2026. Penile Telescoping, Dermatological and Multisystem Adverse Effects of Lithium Therapy in a Middle-aged Man: A Case Report in a Resource-limited Setting. Gateway Medical Journal, 1 (1), 53-63. doi:10.5455/GMJ.328647



Chicago Style

Majekodunmi, Oluyinka Emmanuel, Fatimah Abidemi Oladapo, Yesiru Adeyemi Kareem, Precious Akinnusi, Sikiru Akanbi, Joseph Ogunyemi, and Victor Femi Amodu. "Penile Telescoping, Dermatological and Multisystem Adverse Effects of Lithium Therapy in a Middle-aged Man: A Case Report in a Resource-limited Setting." Gateway Medical Journal 1 (2026), 53-63. doi:10.5455/GMJ.328647



MLA (The Modern Language Association) Style

Majekodunmi, Oluyinka Emmanuel, Fatimah Abidemi Oladapo, Yesiru Adeyemi Kareem, Precious Akinnusi, Sikiru Akanbi, Joseph Ogunyemi, and Victor Femi Amodu. "Penile Telescoping, Dermatological and Multisystem Adverse Effects of Lithium Therapy in a Middle-aged Man: A Case Report in a Resource-limited Setting." Gateway Medical Journal 1.1 (2026), 53-63. Print. doi:10.5455/GMJ.328647



APA (American Psychological Association) Style

Majekodunmi, O. E., Oladapo, . F. A., Kareem, . Y. A., Akinnusi, . P., Akanbi, . S., Ogunyemi, . J. & Amodu, . V. F. (2026) Penile Telescoping, Dermatological and Multisystem Adverse Effects of Lithium Therapy in a Middle-aged Man: A Case Report in a Resource-limited Setting. Gateway Medical Journal, 1 (1), 53-63. doi:10.5455/GMJ.328647