title: A case of cardiac beriberi: a forgotten but memorable disease.
abstract: Thiamine (vitamin B1) serves as an important cofactor in body metabolism and energy production. It is related with the biosynthesis of neurotransmitters and the production of substances used in defense against oxidant stress. Thus, a lack of thiamine affects several organ systems, in particular the cardiovascular and nervous system. The cardiac insufficiency caused by thiamine deficiency is known as cardiac beriberi, with this condition resulting from unbalanced nutrition and chronic excessive alcohol intake. Given that the disease is now very rare in developed nations such as Korea, it is frequently missed by cardiologists, with potentially fatal consequences. Herein, we present a case study in order to draw attention to cardiac beriberi. We believe that this case will be helpful for young cardiologists, reminding them of the importance of this forgotten but memorable disease.
authors.affiliation: Cardiovascular Center, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea.
authors.forename: Hee-Sun
authors.initials: HS
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Seung-Ah
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Hyo-Sun
authors.initials: HS
authors.lastname: Shin
authors.forename: Hong-Mi
authors.initials: HM
authors.lastname: Choi
authors.forename: Soo-Jung
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.forename: Hyung-Kwan
authors.initials: HK
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.forename: Young-Bae
authors.initials: YB
authors.lastname: Park
keywords: Beriberi, heart failure; Thiamine deficiency
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