Severe alcoholic cardiomyopathy reversed with abstention from alcohol.

In a chronic alcoholic with a severe congestive cardiomyopathy the angiographic and hemodynamic evidence of left ventricular dysfunction was completely reversed after 1 year of abstinence. At the time of initial presentation two of the traditional hallmarks of a poor prognosis were present, namely, a long exposure to alcohol before the onset of symptoms and severe diffuse left ventricular dilation and hypokinesis (ejection fraction 14.9 percent). Yet, today, 18 months later he is asymptomatic, receiving no medications and has normal left ventricular function. A reexamination of prognostic factors in alcoholic cardiomyopathy may be indicated.