Recurrent acute alcoholic myopathy simulating deep vein thrombosis in association with cardiomyopathy and parasystolic ventricular tachycardia

A case of acute alcoholic myopathy accompanied by parasystolic ventricular tachycardia and a progressive intraventricular conduction disorder is described. The recurrent episodes of pain in the calves following alcoholic binges closely simulated deep vein thrombosis, but was differentiated by the striking elevations of serum enzymes (creatine phosphokinase, lactic dehydrogenase, serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase). The coexistence of skeletal and cardiac muscle involvement in alcoholic patients is apparently rare, as only two cases previously have been reported.