Transient polycythemia and multi-organ failure due to acute alcohol ingestion

Relative polycythemia is characterized by elevated hematocrit with normal r ed cell mass and results from decreased plasma volume. We present a case of a 39-year-old man who had at least two episodes of severe relative polycyt hemia and multi-organ failure following acute alcohol ingestion. Although t he acute dehydrating effects of alcohol are well known, they usually result in an indolent course. This is the first report of recurrent severe polycy themia and multi-organ failure following acute alcohol consumption.