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Cardiology Case Report: Alcohol Withdrawal
Author(s):
The latest case report from Brady Pregerson, MD, features a man in his mid-60’s with hypertension and diabetes presenting to the hospital for alcohol withdrawal, with reports of tachycardia and shortness of breath. Can you determine the correct diagnosis?
Case Report: Alcohol Withdrawal
History: A man in his mid-60s with hypertension and diabetes mellitus presents to the hospital for alcohol withdrawal. He states his last drink was about 12 hours ago and he has been having palpitations and shakiness today. He denies any abdominal pain or vomiting but he did have some shortness of breath earlier today when he had palpitations. He denies any syncope, near-syncope, chest pain, or other complaints.
Exam: Vital signs are normal except for pulse of 128 and BP of 163/101. He is well-groomed and pleasant without nystagmus but does have some mild tremor.
An EKG is done due to the tachycardia and the earlier SOB.
Computer Read: ST 126, inferior-posterior infarct age undetermined.
What is the most likely cause of the EKG findings in this patient?
