Which of the following is a characteristic finding in wet beriberi due to thiamin deficiency?

• A. Enlarged heart
• B. Hypertension
• C. Normal heart size
• D. Hypoglycemia

Answer: (A)

Wet beriberi arises when thiamin deficiency cripples the heart’s ability to generate energy, so the cardiac muscle can’t keep up with demand. Thiamin is a key cofactor for enzymes in carbohydrate metabolism, and without it the heart’s ATP production falls. The result is a dilated, failing heart that enlarges (cardiomegaly) and develops signs of congestive heart failure, such as edema and tachycardia. That cardiomegaly is the characteristic finding you’d expect clinically or on imaging.

Hypertension isn’t typical in this condition, and the heart is not normally normal-sized in wet beriberi. Hypoglycemia isn’t a defining feature here either.