CAN BURNING MOUTH SYNDROME BE ASSOCIATED WITH LITHIUM DEFICIENCY? REPORT OF 2 CASES

Abstract

Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is a burning sensation or pain in an oral mucosa in which no lesion is identified. It mainly affects women over the age of 60 years, especially after menopause. Here, we report 2 cases of BMS with lithium deficiency. Both patients were female and reported a strong burning sensation on the tongue and buccal mucosa. No alteration of the oral mucosa was detected on intraoral clinical examination. There was no improvement in symptoms with therapeutic tests with antifungal and corticosteroids. Serum levels of vitamins and minerals were requested, and low serum levels of lithium and normality for other exams were observed. Lithium replacement therapy was performed with lithium carbonate once a day for 60 days. After this protocol, lithium serum levels were tested, showing satisfactory levels. After 4 months of follow-up, no symptomatology was recorded. Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is a burning sensation or pain in an oral mucosa in which no lesion is identified. It mainly affects women over the age of 60 years, especially after menopause. Here, we report 2 cases of BMS with lithium deficiency. Both patients were female and reported a strong burning sensation on the tongue and buccal mucosa. No alteration of the oral mucosa was detected on intraoral clinical examination. There was no improvement in symptoms with therapeutic tests with antifungal and corticosteroids. Serum levels of vitamins and minerals were requested, and low serum levels of lithium and normality for other exams were observed. Lithium replacement therapy was performed with lithium carbonate once a day for 60 days. After this protocol, lithium serum levels were tested, showing satisfactory levels. After 4 months of follow-up, no symptomatology was recorded.