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.