[Cause of death in severe acute ethanol intoxication]

A study of acute alcohol influence (heavy drinker) on sudden unexpected death were analyzed as to age, sex, cause of death and along with the lethal blood alcohol content. Excess alcohol abuse by adults or middle aged women causatived acute intoxication with actual toxic depression of brainstem function (high blood levels, means 3,6 mg/g). Others (alcohol abuse) die by drowning, trauma, sudden coronary death (drinking spirits), cardiomyopathy, hypothermia or hypoglycemia (Diabetes). The autopsy findings are discussed.