[Cardiac beriberi]

Arch Mal Coeur Vaiss. 2000 Apr;93(4):371-9.
[Article in French]

Abstract

Interest has recently risen regarding thiamine deficiency (beriberi). In industrial countries, not only alcoholics, but also deprived people with malnutrition, elderly patients and patients with AIDS are at risk of thiamine deficiency. Moreover, long-term furosemide use may be associated with thiamine deficiency through urinary loss, contributing to cardiac insufficiency in patients with congestive heart failure. Cardiovascular (wet beriberi) manifestations of thiamine deficiency are characterized by peripheral vasodilatation with increased cardiac output, myocardial lesion, sodium and water retention and biventricular myocardial failure. Treatment consists of thiamine administration with rapid clinical improvement after supplementation.

Publication types

  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / complications
  • Age Factors
  • Aged
  • Alcoholism / complications
  • Beriberi / complications*
  • Beriberi / therapy
  • Cardiac Output
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / etiology*
  • Heart Failure / etiology
  • Humans
  • Myocardial Infarction / etiology
  • Nutrition Disorders / complications
  • Risk Factors
  • Thiamine Deficiency / complications*
  • Thiamine Deficiency / therapy