Acute high dose intake of alcohol may lead to rhabdomyolysis. Most literature, when describing alcoholic myopathy (AM) suggests the chronic condition, that is precipitated by chronic alcohol abuse and is characterized by varying degrees of muscle weakness and atrophy, prominent in proximal muscle groups. It is a common cause of myopathy [1].

AM is progressive, and its severity is determined by the amount of alcohol consumed, as well as the duration of abuse [2] [3]. Furthermore, those who suffer from liver cirrhosis are more prone to the ailment [4]. In Western countries, it is thought to be the most widely encountered type of myopathy [5] [1]. Although abstinence is advised, some muscle dysfunction is permanent, thus the theory that there are multiple factors at play in the pathogenesis, such as nutrient deficiency, particularly vitamin B [6] [7] [8] is also suggested. The presence of the latter makes the clinical picture more obscure and impedes the treatment.

Acute myopathy may result in death due to renal failure and electrolyte imbalance. Rhabdomyolysis may be seen in more severe cases, while milder cases may witness a rise in creatinine kinase. Necrosis of muscle tissue, as well as weakness and pain, are also recognized.

Chronic AM has a more insidious onset, symptoms include gait disturbances, muscle weakness, and wasting. Recovery is slower than in the acute form. Muscle pain may or may not be present, moreover, neuropathy can occur simultaneously but should be treated as a separate medical entity.

• Heart Failure

  The heart muscle is weakened and cannot pump blood efficiently. If your heart gets weaker, you may develop heart failure. Alcohol in excessive quantities has a directly toxic effect on heart muscle cells. [northshore.org]

  Persons with congestive heart failure may be considered for surgical insertion of an ICD or a pacemaker which can improve heart function. [flipper.diff.org]

  Talk to your doctor if you have one of these conditions and aren’t sure whether you should drink: Heart failure Cardiomyopathy High blood pressure Diabetes Irregular heart rhythm A history of strokes High triglycerides Pregnant women and anyone with a [webmd.com]

  When cardiomyopathy occurs, the heart sags and stretches, making it difficult to pump blood throughout the body. If left unchecked, this leads to organ and tissue damage, and, in severe cases, even heart failure. [palmerlakerecovery.com]

  Patients may have cardiac involvement most often in the form of rhythm disturbances. 2 More rarely, they may experience conduction abnormalities, pericarditis, myocarditis, cardiac arrest, and congestive heart failure. 2,3 All of the preceding are often [clinicaladvisor.com]

• Myopathy

  Alcoholic myopathy (AM) affects one-third to more than half of alcohol abusers. It is relieved by withdrawal from alcohol consumption and exacerbated by continued misuse. In acute stages, myopathy presents as rhabdomyolysis. [symptoma.com]

  Abstract To determine the significance of type II fiber atrophy in alcoholic myopathy and its relationship with ethanol-related diseases a prospective study was carried out in 100 chronic alcoholics who showed clinical suspicion of skeletal myopathy. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  acute alcoholic myopathy, alcoholic rhabdomyolysis, alcoholic myoglobinuria, acute alcoholic myopathy, and chronic alcoholic myopathy. [medlink.com]

  As vitamin D deficiency is a well-recognized cause of myopathy, alcoholic myopathy might be related to vitamin D deficiency. [research.vu.nl]

• Diplopia

  Very often diplopia is absent or transient. [neuroweb.us]

• Blurred Vision

  This results in double and blurred vision, slurring of speech, loss of consciousness and inability to judge distances. 4. Effect on Cardio Vascular System (CVS): (i) Small doses dilate the blood vessels of skin (specially of the face) and stomach. [yourarticlelibrary.com]

Diagnosis is made by combining the clinical picture, histological and laboratory findings. Muscle atrophy as a result of impaired synthesis as well as apoptosis may be evaluated microscopically, and type II fibers are most affected [1] [3]. Type I muscle fibers are usually normal [9].

In high magnification studies, acute alcohol intake also produces histological evidence of cell injury where damage to cell organelles such as the mitochondria, sarcoplasmic reticulum is visualized, together with the failure of fat and glycogen storage regulatory mechanisms and cell edema. The histological picture is similar to that of alcoholic liver disease [10]. Further tests, conducted routinely when presented with a patient suffering from a myopathy, include:

• Laboratory tests: Mostly, these comprise of measuring serum levels of creatinine kinase, myoglobin, creatinine, urea, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) as well as determining the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). Full blood count and thyroid function tests may also be advised.
• Urinalysis: This is carried out to demonstrate myoglobinuria, which is a positive finding in alcoholic myopathy.

• Electrocardiogram (ECG) tracings may be requested and may show signs of hyperkalemia such as wide QRS complexes, lengthened PR intervals and other wave changes.

• Wide QRS Complex

  Electrocardiogram (ECG) tracings may be requested and may show signs of hyperkalemia such as wide QRS complexes, lengthened PR intervals and other wave changes. [symptoma.com]

Treatment includes quitting drinking. Quitting drinking often results in improved heart function. Continued alcohol consumption, on the other hand, will continue to make alcoholic cardiomyopathy worse. [northshore.org]

Discussions around the web We found 8 discussions Treato does not review third-party posts for accuracy of any kind, including for medical diagnosis or treatments, or events in general. Treato does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. [treato.com]

No effective treatment is known. [en.wikipedia.org]

Providing broader coverage of the subject than any available monograph, the editors and their panel of experts relate basic science to pathogenesis and treatment modalities and explore future developments. [books.google.it]

Prognosis This depends on the specific diagnosis. The primary disorders are incurable conditions with varied prognosis. Secondary myopathy may be corrected by treating the underlying cause. [patient.info]

No randomized controlled study examined the effect of alcoholism on ICU prognosis [ 12 ]. [ccforum.biomedcentral.com]

Recognition is extremely important as most of these are reversible when diagnosed and managed in a timely fashion and thus carry a good prognosis. [frontiersin.org]

Prognosis Complete recovery from Wernicke's syndrome may follow prompt administration of thiamine. However, repeated episodes of encephalopathy or prolonged alcohol abuse may cause persistent dementia or Korsakoff psychosis. [medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com]

In cases suspected to be a primary inflammatory myopathy, specific autoantibodies can be considered to determine the prognosis and rule out associated conditions. [clevelandclinicmeded.com]

Certain conditions have both an underlying etiology and multiple body system manifestations due to the underlying etiology. [icd10coded.com]

Use Additional Use Additional Help Certain conditions have both an underlying etiology and multiple body system manifestations due to the underlying etiology. [icd10data.com]

These conditions have widely varying etiologies, including congenital or inherited, idiopathic, infectious, metabolic, inflammatory, endocrine, and drug-induced or toxic. [emedicine.medscape.com]

Clues to these other etiologies are often apparent in the history. [clinicaladvisor.com]

[…] and cirrhosis Ethanol metabolism and its consequences Mechanisms in the pathogenesis of ALD, including genetics, immunology, and insulin-like growth factors Extrahepatic effects of ALD and the role of alcohol in potentiating liver damage due to other etiologies [books.google.it]

This review details the epidemiology of alcoholic myopathy, potential contributing pathophysiologic mechanisms, and emerging literature on novel therapeutic options. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

Neurologic Consequences of Malnutrition begins with an overview of the epidemiology and incidence of malnutrition and neurologic disorders. [books.google.de]

Mechanisms in the pathogenesis of ALD, including genetics, immunology, and insulin-like growth factors Extrahepatic effects of ALD and the role of alcohol in potentiating liver damage due to other etiologies Interaction of alcohol with viral hepatitis Epidemiology [books.google.it]

EPIDEMIOLOGY One third of heavy long-term alcohol consumption (of any beverage type), aka alcoholics, in both sexes and all races, develop skeletal myopathy. [flipper.diff.org]

Google Scholar Frank L: Epidemiology: when an entire country is a cohort. [ccforum.biomedcentral.com]

This review details the epidemiology of alcoholic myopathy, potential contributing pathophysiologic mechanisms, and emerging literature on novel therapeutic options. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

Methods: We reviewed the literature on alcoholic myopathy and hypovitaminosis D myopathy and compared the pathophysiological findings to designate possible mechanisms of vitamin D action in alcohol-related myopathy. [research.vu.nl]

The Gale Encyclopedia of Public Health states, 2002 - Alcoholic cardiomyopathy: incidence, clinical characteristics, and pathophysiology, Piano MR., 2002 SYMPTOMS Alcoholic myopathy can have serious symptoms and side effects. [flipper.diff.org]

Muskiet, a professor of pathophysiology and clinical chemical analysis at the University Medical Center Groningen. [sciencedaily.com]

Muskiet, a professor of pathophysiology and clinical qualitative analysis on the University Medical Center Groningen. [medimoon.com]

Increasing dietary potassium raised serum potassium but did not prevent EAM. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

Knowledge of the pathogenesis, genetics, and molecular biology of neuromuscular disorders is essential both in developing and applying new therapies and preventive measures, and in formulating genetic and prognostic advice. [books.google.de]

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8. Nicolas JM, Garcia G, Fatjo F, et al. Influence of nutritional status on alcoholic myopathy. Am J Clin Nutr. 2003;78(2):326–333.
9. Preedy VR, Crabb DW, Farres J, Emery PW. Alcoholic myopathy and acetaldehyde. Novartis Found Symp. 2007;285:158–177 (discussion 177–182, 198–159).
10. Del Villar Negro A, Merino Angulo J, Rivera-Pomar JM. Skeletal muscle changes in chronic alcoholic patients. A conventional, histochemical, ultrastructural and morphometric study. Acta Neurol Scand. 1984;70(3):185–196.