Alcohol-Induced Cardiomyopathy Presenting With a Ventricular Arrhythmia Storm Causing Cardiac Arrest

Alcohol has both protective and deleterious effects on the heart. Alcohol consumed in small quantities can have cardiovascular protective effects. However, consumption of excessive amounts of alcohol has been associated with electrolyte imbalances, neurologic disorders like Wernicke's encephalopathy and Korsakoff syndrome, cardiomyopathies, cardiac arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. We present and discuss the diagnosis and management of a 26-year-old male patient with a history of alcohol use disorder who presented to our center with alcohol-induced cardiomyopathy causing a ventricular arrhythmia storm and cardiac arrest. This case highlights the approach to cardiopulmonary resuscitation, describes the diagnosis using electrocardiogram, echocardiogram, and coronary angiogram, medical management of this patient by the Intensivist, and interventions to improve clinical outcome, assist with alcohol cessation, and medical strategies to prevent future occurrences of cardiac events and alcohol related co-morbidities. It is important to recognize that in patients with no other risk factors for cardiac disease, prompt recognition and management, including cessation of alcohol consumption, has been associated with good outcomes and prognosis.