Reversible enlargement of cerebral spinal fluid spaces in chronic alcoholics.

Repeat computed tomography (CT) and clinical examinations, including psychologic tests, were performed in 15 chronic alcoholics. In nine controlled abstinent patients, marked decrease of cerebrospinal fluid space enlargement was visible on CT, corresponding with clinical improvement. A second CT examination after 1 year showed continued improvement in three successfully treated patients. The recovery of cortical and ventricular enlargements was encountered with equal frequency, although the more striking change was in the cortex. Possible underlying pathogenetic processes were considered.