Case presentation A 50-year-old male was admitted to the hospital with complaints of vomiting and severe epigastric pain, which radiated to the back. The patient reported that the pain started two days ago and constantly increased in intensity. He didn’t have any previous episodes of these symptoms and was not taking any medications. History He admitted to consuming excessive alcohol, as much as eight cans of lager in a day. He is a heavy smoker but doesn’t do recreational drugs.
He is homeless and related his excessive drinking problem to depression. Examination The patient was sweaty and agitated He could not lie flat during the examination and vomited persistently. Blood pressure – 150/180 mmHg Pulse rate – 120/min Palpation of his abdomen revealed tenderness in the epigastrium The abdomen was not distended. Normal bowel sounds were noted. Investigations…
