A case of shoshin beriberi presenting as cardiogenic shock with diffuse ST-segment elevation, which dramatically improved after a single dose of thiamine : online article - case report

Shoshin beriberi is a fulminant form of cardiac beriberi caused by thiamine deficiency. We report on a case of an 87-year-old man with shoshin beriberi presenting as cardiogenic shock with diffuse ST-segment elevation, which dramatically improved after thiamine administration. Because of the rarity of the occurrence, lack of diagnostic test and atypical presentation, diagnosing shoshin beriberi is challenging and requires a high index of clinical suspicion. Shoshin beriberi leads to rapid haemodynamic collapse and death. Therefore, clinicians should consider shoshin beriberi (or cardiac beriberi) as one of the differential diagnoses in patients with heart failure or cardiogenic shock.