Alcohol withdrawal and prolonged hospital stay in a patient with neuroimaging abnormalities: A case report

Abstract

A hospital stay of 30 days was required in a 47-year-old woman with alcohol withdrawal. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings revealed a focal brain stem lesion and multiple focal supracortical abnormalities. Could asymptomatic neuroimaging abnormalities predict risk of complicated alcohol withdrawal? Future clinical observations and longitudinal studies may wish to address this potential risk factor. © The Author 2009. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Medical Council on Alcohol. All rights reserved.