Unusual-site thrombosis in patients with hazardous alcohol use: a narrative review

Aims and methods: Hazardous alcohol use poses an increasing public health issue worldwide and it manifests as excessive consumption (acute or chronic), which may lead to addiction. The risk of alcohol-related pathologies correlates with the patterns of intake and increases with the amount of alcohol consumed. While the effects of alcohol consumption on ischemic stroke and ischemic heart disease are well documented, the impact on venous thromboembolism is less clear. Conflicting studies have reported that alcohol may be a risk factor for, or have a protective role against venous thromboembolism. Our narrative review aimed to assess the risk of unusual-site venous thrombosis in individuals with hazardous alcohol use, as it may stem from alcohol-related organ damage (e.g. liver cirrhosis, pancreatitis) as well as provide some suggestions for physicians. Results: There appears to be a correlation between hazardous alcohol use and unusual-site thrombosis, though the underlying mechanisms are largely still unknown. Conclusion: In subjects with hazardous alcohol use complicated by alcohol-related organ damage, physicians should be vigilant for potential thrombotic symptoms, and be prepared to diagnose and promptly initiate appropriate anticoagulation therapy.