Characterized by megaloblastic anemia responsive
only to thiamine administration, diabetes mellitus, and sensorineural
deafness. Other clinical features of “beriberi” may be evident and include
generalized puffiness, hoarseness, cardiac failure, and neurological
disturbances. Most signs and symptoms are resolved on administration of high doses of
thiamine, however the presence of diabetes melitus may persist. Other
occasionally reported features include cardiac septal defects, progressive optic atrophy,
and situs inversus viscerum totalis.