Acute reversible left ventricular dysfunction secondary to alcohol.
Chronic excess alcohol use is a well-established cause of dilated cardiomyopathy. The clinical features are variable because patients may be asymptomatic despite there being evidence of severe left ventricular dysfunction. Although the mechanism of alcohol-induced cardiomyopathy is not clearly understood, abstinence from alcohol has been associated with improvement in left ventricular function. Conversely, patients with ongoing alcohol abuse and dilated cardiomyopathy have a poor prognosis, with progressive biventricular failure and, ultimately, death. A case of rapid reversal of alcohol-induced cardiomyopathy with abstinence is reviewed. The present case highlights the acute toxic nature of alcohol and the potential for rapid functional recovery.
Mahmoud
Saad
S
Division of Cardiology, University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Ottawa, Canada.
Beauchesne
Luc M
LM
Davis
Darryl R
DR
Glover
Christopher
C
D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002310:Cardiomyopathy, Alcoholic / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004232:Diuretics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004562:Electrocardiography; D004638:Emergency Treatment; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D018487:Ventricular Dysfunction, Left / Q000503:physiopathology
D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors; D004232:Diuretics