Question:

A 25 year old alcoholic presented with edema, hypertension, ocular disturbance, and changes in mental state. A diagnosis of high output cardiac failure with Wet Beri Beri was made. This is due to deficiency of which vitamin?

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Wet beriberi in an alcoholic - think thiamine.
Updated On: Jun 23, 2026
  • Vitamin B3
  • Vitamin B6
  • Vitamin B9
  • Vitamin B1
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The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Wet beriberi is the term for thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency with cardiovascular involvement, classically seen in chronic alcoholics.
Step 2: In wet beriberi, peripheral vasodilation produces a high-output cardiac state. Salt and water retention through the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system causes edema and a high-output failure picture.
Step 3: The acute fulminant form (Shoshin beriberi) brings cyanosis, tachycardia, distended neck veins, restlessness, and anxiety. The unifying cause is vitamin B1 deficiency, so B1 is correct rather than B3, B6, or B9.
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