Shoshin beriberi mimicking a high-risk non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome with cardiogenic shock: when the arteries are not guilty.

BACKGROUND

Cardiac acute beriberi (Shoshin syndrome) is a rare disease that may lead to a fatal outcome if not treated specifically.

OBJECTIVES

We report a case of Shoshin syndrome with an unusual presentation of cardiogenic shock and an electrocardiographic pattern of severe myocardial ischemia suggesting left main coronary artery obstruction.

CASE REPORT

A 35-year-old man presented with chest discomfort, diffuse ST-segment depression in the 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) with ST-segment elevation in aVR, and rapidly evolving congestive heart failure leading to cardiogenic shock. Intensive support was required, including mechanical ventilation, high doses of inotropics and vasopressors, intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation, and continuous renal replacement therapy. An emergency coronary angiogram was performed that showed normal coronary arteries. Right heart catheterization showed a high-output state with elevated filling pressures suggesting high-output heart failure. The echocardiography confirmed normal left and right ventricular contraction. Thiamine deficiency was suspected as the cause of the high-output heart failure. After a single dose of intravenous thiamine (100 mg), the patient's hemodynamic status improved dramatically within minutes, allowing a rapid discontinuation of hemodynamic support. Subsequent ECGs showed complete resolution of ST-segment abnormalities. Serial lactate measurements, red blood cell transketolase activity, and the thiamine pyrophosphate response test were concordant with a thiamine deficiency state.

CONCLUSION

Shoshin syndrome may present as cardiogenic shock with an ECG mimicking severe myocardial ischemia, and if suspected, can be rapidly and effectively treated.