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Neuroarthropathy associated with chronic alcoholism.
A G Bjorkengren1, M Weisman, M N Pathria
1Department of Radiology, University of Lund, Sweden.
AJR. American Journal of Roentgenology
|October 1, 1988
Summary
Chronic alcoholism can cause foot neuroarthropathy, even without diabetes mellitus. This study identified five alcoholic patients with foot neuroarthropathy where diabetes was ruled out using sensitive lab tests.
Area of Science:
- Podiatry
- Neurology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Neuroarthropathy commonly affects the feet in diabetic patients.
- Chronic alcoholism is a suspected cause, but often coexists with undetected diabetes mellitus.
- Distinguishing alcoholic neuroarthropathy from diabetic neuroarthropathy is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate alcoholic neuroarthropathy in the absence of diabetes mellitus.
- To characterize radiographic findings in alcoholic neuroarthropathy.
- To establish alcoholism as a potential independent cause of foot neuroarthropathy.
Main Methods:
- Case study of five chronic alcoholic patients presenting with foot neuroarthropathy.
- Exclusion of diabetes mellitus using sensitive laboratory methods.
- Radiographic analysis of neuroarthropathic alterations in the feet.
Main Results:
- Five chronic alcoholic patients exhibited foot neuroarthropathy.
- Diabetes mellitus was definitively excluded in all cases.
- Radiographic findings included hypertrophic changes, fragmentation, fracture-dislocation, and pathologic fractures.
Conclusions:
- Alcoholism can independently cause neuroarthropathy of the feet.
- Neuroarthropathy in alcoholics does not necessitate coexistent diabetes mellitus.
- Alcoholic neuroarthropathy presents with distinct radiographic features.