Overestimation of Aortic Stenosis in Thiamine Deficiency: Two Cases With Distinct Underlying Conditions

TL;DR

Two elderly patients with thiamine deficiency had their aortic stenosis severity overestimated due to high-output circulatory states, which improved after thiamine treatment.

Contribution

Reports two distinct cases showing thiamine deficiency can cause overestimation of aortic stenosis severity.

Findings

Thiamine replacement downgraded aortic stenosis severity from severe to moderate in one patient.

Another patient's aortic stenosis was reclassified from moderate to mild after thiamine treatment.

Thiamine deficiency leads to high-output circulatory states, reducing systemic vascular resistance.

Abstract

The severity of aortic stenosis (AS) can be overestimated in high-flow states, and thiamine deficiency is an underrecognized cause of high-output circulatory states. We report two elderly females who developed thiamine deficiency-related high-output circulatory states, initially leading to an overestimation of AS severity. Case 1 was assessed as severe but was downgraded to moderate after thiamine replacement, and case 2 was initially assessed as moderate but was reclassified as mild after treatment. Case 1 had a history of gastrectomy, predisposing her to thiamine deficiency due to limited postoperative intake and a more alkaline gastric environment. Case 2 had liver cirrhosis and was on long-term spironolactone and loop diuretics, contributing to thiamine depletion via renal losses and impaired gastrointestinal utilization. Both patients exhibited refractory edema and hyperdynamic left ventricular wall motion. Thiamine deficiency impairs adenosine triphosphate production, reducing systemic vascular resistance and triggering compensatory high-output circulatory states. Prompt thiamine replacement improved symptoms and hemodynamic parameters. These cases highlight the importance of recognizing reversible high-flow states to avoid misinterpretation of AS severity and ensure accurate evaluation and management.

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