Marchiafava-Bignami disease: an interesting case report!

Authors

  • Sriram Jaganathan Department of Radiology, Global Hospitals and Health City, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
  • Medhini Rangarajan Department of Surgery, SRM Medical College, Kattangulathur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2320-6012.ijrms20222887

Keywords:

Chronic alcoholism, Corpus callosum, Demyelination, Intravenous thiamine

Abstract

Marchiafava-Bignami Disease (MBD) is a rare neurodegenerative disease usually associated with chronic alcoholism characterized by demyelination and necrosis of the corpus callosum. Here, we report a 57-year-old patient who presented to our hospital with acute aphasia, disorientation and altered mental state. Diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed areas of restricted diffusion in the corpus callosum, bilateral periventricular white matter and right cerebellar peduncle. Given that the patient was a chronic alcoholic, a diagnosis of Marchiafava-Bignami disease was made. Supportive management with intravenous Thiamine and multivitamins was offered. The patient improved clinically after one week of treatment and a repeat DWI MRI revealed complete resolution of the abnormalities. It is imperative to diagnose MBD promptly and distinguish this from other neurological manifestations related to chronic alcoholism. An early diagnosis can aid in a better outcome and faster recovery.

References

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Published

2022-10-28

How to Cite

Jaganathan, S., & Rangarajan, M. (2022). Marchiafava-Bignami disease: an interesting case report!. International Journal of Research in Medical Sciences, 10(11), 2702–2705. https://doi.org/10.18203/2320-6012.ijrms20222887

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Section

Case Reports