Pericardial extravasation as an indicator of congestive heart failure due to thiamine deficiency in a young adult: a case report.

Introduction, - Thiamine (B1) deficiency is one of the classical causes of congestive heart failure. Although in the western world and in other develo ped 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 examinatio n, and pericardial extravasation was recorded. The etiological assessment s howed a case of congestive heart failure due to thiamine (B-1) deficiency. A hemodydamic examination and investigation of thiamine blood levels confir med this diagnosis. The patient's health status improved following thiamine administration, with complete and rapid regression of symptoms of congesti ve heart failure. Conclusion, -Although cardiomyopathic beriberi is infrequent, it should sys tematically be taken into account in the etiology of congestive heart failu re. The present study also notes that a dietary thiamine deficiency is unco mmon, but should nevertheless be considered when other symptoms of denutrit ion are present. (C) 2000 Editions scientifiques ef medicales Elsevier SAS.