“Dry” and “wet” beriberi mimicking critical illness polyneuropathy
A 25-year-old lady who had delivered a baby 6 weeks back was admitted with generalized anasarca and paraparesis of 10 days duration. She had dyspnea and oliguria since 1 day. Deep tendon reflexes (DTR) suggested global areflexia and bilateral lower limb power was 3/5. Her thyroid function was normal and Anti-nuclear antibody (ANA) was negative. Her investigation results are tabulated in and NCS findings in . A diagnosis of heart failure with polyneuropathy was made and she was treated with IV thiamine infusion and supportive treatment. Edema disappeared over a week and she was discharged after 12 days with near normal power in lower limbs.