Marchiafava-Bignami disease in a trauma patient

Abstract

Marchiafava-Bignami disease (MBD) is a rare pathological condition affecting the corpus callosum (CC), characterized by progressive demyelination and necrosis. While usually found in patients with chronic alcoholism, it has rarely been characterized in non-alcoholics. We describe a trauma patient with an unknown mechanism of injury, who was found to have MBD after remaining comatose for a prolonged period of time. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated restricted diffusion involving the genu, body, and splenium of the CC. The patient eventually awoke but was non-communicative and uncomprehending prior to discharge to a nursing facility. We reviewed the literature and report here the first case of MBD encountered in a trauma patient. In conclusion, MBD is an extremely rare condition in non-alcoholic patients, and the use of MRI is crucial for its identification.

Alcoholic and Non-Alcoholic Marchiafava-Bignami Disease: A Comparative Study

“…In one case, VitB1 was ineffective, but corticosteroid was effective for a short time, but the symptoms were returned to baseline levels soon. In one case who took a high dose of VitB1, the symptoms were improved, but severe disability still existed [16] [17] [22]. 4) Hepatitis C: This group contained one case of chronic Hepatitis C, involving entire corpus callosum and bilateral internal capsule, and one case of hepatitis C, cirrhosis and peritonitis, involving splenium of corpus callosum.…”

Marchiafava-Bignami Disease Presenting as Acute Psychosis

“…Marchiafava–Bignami disease (MBD) is a rare neurological disorder of unknown etiology, afflicting mostly middle or elderly males with a history of chronic alcohol consumption or chronic malnutrition. [ 1 2 3 ] There are <300 described cases in the literature and many cases go undiagnosed. [ 4 ] Its pathological hallmark is symmetrical demyelination and necrosis of the central part of the corpus callosum.…”