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.