Imaging of Gastrointestinal and Abdominal Emergencies in Binge Drinking

Abstract

Excess alcohol consumption is a leading cause of preventable morbidity and mortality globally. The pattern of consumption of alcoholic beverages has changed in our society in the recent past, with binge drinking becoming more and more common, especially among young adults. Abdominal pain following alcohol consumption can be secondary to a wide range of pathologies, the treatment algorithm of which can range from medical supportive treatment to more invasive life-saving procedures such as transarterial embolization and emergency laparotomy. Correct diagnosis, differentiation among these conditions, and implementing the correct management algorithm is heavily reliant on accurate and appropriate imaging. We review the pathophysiology, clinical presentation, imaging features and management options of acute abdominal emergencies secondary to binge drinking, based on a selection of illustrative cases.

Keywords: Acute abdomen imaging; Binge drinking; Boerhaave's syndrome; Gastrointestinal haemorrhage; Pancreatitis; Spontaneous bladder rupture.