Thiamin deficiency as a cause of reversible cor pulmonale

Abstract

Thiamine deficiency may present four classic clinical forms: peripheral polyneuropathy, anorexia and muscular weakness (dry beriberi); high output heart failure with signs of congestion (wet beriberi); beriberi associated with shock (Shoshin beriberi) and Wernicke's encephalopathy. In this report we describe a picture that is suggestive of severe pulmonary hypertension and cor pulmonale, with jugular stasis, congestive hepatitis and generalized edema that reversed completely after the administration of thiamine.