Increase of serum vascular endothelial growth factors in wet beriberi: two case reports

Beriberi is a disease caused by thiamine deficiency resulting in peripheral neuropathy and myocardial dysfunction. Increases in vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) are seen in polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, monoclonal gammopathy and skin changes, called POEMS syndrome. We present herein two cases of wet beriberi accompanied by a moderate increase in VEGF level. Serum VEGF decreased after treatment in both cases. Our experience with these cases suggests that beriberi should be considered in the differential diagnosis of polyneuropathy with a moderate increase in serum VEGF, and that the serum VEGF level may be a therapeutic marker for beriberi.