Examination of Alcoholics by Computed Tomographic (CT) Scans: A Critical Review

Neuroradiological studies have consistently demonstrated that alcoholics have morphological abnormalities of cortical, ventricular, and cerebellar structures suggesting brain atrophy. This atrophy is weakly correlated with impaired psychological test performance. Because brain atrophy and intellectual impairment can also be found in normal aging it is necessary to compare alcoholics with age-matched control subjects. It is currently unknown if alcohol-associated brain atrophy and intellectual impairment are the result of conditions preceding alcohol consumption or conditions only indirectly related such as head trauma or other associated diseases. Direct alcohol toxicity would be supported by quantitative alcohol-atrophy dose-response relationships and by a partial reversal of atrophy and functional impairment following abstinence from alcohol. Because of methodological difficulties inherent in neuroradiological research, data on the exact pathogenesis of abnormalities in alcoholics have not been produced. The design of such studies can be improved to increase the probability that the causes of brain atrophy will be elucidated.