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[Marchiafava-Bignami disease. 3 cases with favorable prognosis]

P Diraison1, F Rouhart, P Goas

  • 1Service de neurologie, CHU la Cavale-Blanche, Brest, France.

La Revue De Medecine Interne
|April 30, 1999
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Marchiafava-Bignami disease, a complication of chronic alcoholism, can present with severe symptoms like coma. However, this study shows that even in severe cases, favorable outcomes are possible with appropriate evaluation and care.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Neuroscience
  • Radiology

Background:

  • Marchiafava-Bignami disease (MBD) is a rare neurological complication associated with chronic alcoholism.
  • It is characterized by demyelination of the corpus callosum, often leading to a poor prognosis.

Observation:

  • This report details three cases of MBD with unexpectedly favorable outcomes.
  • One patient presented in a comatose state, and two exhibited interhemispheric dysconnection syndrome.
  • Neuroimaging (CT and MRI) revealed extensive white matter lesions in the callosal region.

Findings:

  • Despite severe initial symptoms, including coma and significant white matter demyelination, MBD can have a positive prognosis.
  • The presence of interhemispheric dysconnection syndrome was noted in some patients.

Implications:

  • Clinicians should consider MBD in patients with chronic alcoholism and altered mental status, even with severe neurological signs.
  • Coma and extensive demyelination do not automatically predict a poor outcome for MBD.
  • Evaluating for interhemispheric dysconnection can be valuable in diagnosing and managing MBD.

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