Patil, Aruna R.

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a preventable non-communicable disease that affects multiple organs and organ systems across all age groups, including the fetus and is a risk factor for developing certain cancers. Furthermore, alcohol intoxication can result in physical trauma to oneself and others, and is a contributing factor in road accidents. Early recognition of AUD is critical for improving diagnosis, management, and outcomes. Accurate diagnosis relies on comprehensive clinical evaluation and patient history. However, denial of AUD, inebriation, and lack of awareness of problems associated with AUD, can prevent early identification of the disease. AUD-associated organ damage manifests in several ways and can be recognized on imaging modalities including ultrasound, CT, and MRI. Detection of these imaging features is useful in raising suspicion of AUD or diagnosing chronic alcohol use. Radiologists should be aware of the manifestations of alcohol's effects across various organ systems and aid in the early detection and treatment of AUD. In this two-part review, the authors present a comprehensive image-based review illustrating the effects of AUD on different organ systems at various stages. This second part focuses on the imaging manifestations in the central nervous system, fetal health, cardiovascular system, and musculoskeletal system. Additionally, a brief overview of secondary imaging manifestations of alcohol use, associated with trauma and cancers, will be presented.

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a significant public health challenge, affecting multiple organs and organ systems, and fetal health. Additionally, AUD also significantly contributes to self-harm and road accidents. Beyond its health effects, AUD creates economic and political challenges, including escalating treatment costs and the complex alcohol regulation policies. Despite global impact, AUD remains under-addressed in countries like India due to cultural norms and limited resources. Early recognition of AUD is vital for better outcomes, relying on thorough clinical evaluation and patient history. However, denial, inebriation, or lack of awareness often delays diagnosis. Imaging techniques like ultrasound, CT, and MRI effectively depict AUD-related organ damage and aid in detecting chronic alcohol use. Radiologists play a crucial role in identifying these manifestations, contributing to its early detection and treatment. This review article highlights the imaging of alcohol use related disorders and diseases affecting different organs and organ systems at various stages. The review is presented in two parts: the first focuses on alcohol burden, alcohol metabolism and toxicity, and imaging findings of AUD-related abdominal diseases and disorders.