[Pericardial extravasation as an indicator of congestive heart failure due to thiamine deficiency in a young adult].

INTRODUCTION

Thiamine (B1) deficiency is one of the classical causes of congestive heart failure. Although in the western world and in other developed regions this disorder is generally associated with chronic alcoholism, it may also only occur as a result of a deficient diet.

EXEGESIS: A young patient was admitted for electrocardiographic examination, and pericardial extravasation was recorded. The etiological assessment showed a case of congestive heart failure due to thiamine (B1) deficiency. A hemodynamic examination and investigation of thiamine blood levels confirmed this diagnosis. The patient's health status improved following thiamine administration, with complete and rapid regression of symptoms of congestive heart failure.

CONCLUSION

Although cardiomyopathic beriberi is infrequent, it should systematically be taken into account in the etiology of congestive heart failure. The present study also notes that a dietary thiamine deficiency is uncommon, but should nevertheless be considered when other symptoms of denutrition are present.