Ethanol abuse

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A depiction of acute intoxication. (Jan Steen)

Ethanol abuse is the excessive consumption of ethyl alcohol or ethanol.

In common usage, alcohol is used as a synonym for ethanol, which is abbreviated EtOH. Alcohol abuse causes a large number of medical problems. It includes both acute and chronic problems, and affects a multitude of systems.

In pathology, alcohol may refer to the fixative; it is a chemical used to preserve tissue.

General

  • Very common.

Classic lab findings in alcohol abusers

  • AST & ALT elevated with AST:ALT=2:1.
  • GGT elevated.
  • MCV increased.

Toxicity

Acute toxicity is discussed in the section ethanol toxicity.

Pathology associated with alcohol

Head & neck:

Luminal GI tract:

Liver:

Pancreas:

CNS:

Cardiovascular:

Respiratory:

See also