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[A case of Marchiafava-Bignami disease: serial changes with diffusion-weighted MR imaging]
Naoto Sugeno1, Makiko Nagai, Yusei Shiga
1Division of Neurology, Department of Neuroscience, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine.
Rinsho Shinkeigaku = Clinical Neurology
|October 3, 2002
Summary
Early diagnosis of Marchiafava-Bignami disease using diffusion-weighted MRI in an alcohol-withdrawal delirium patient led to complete recovery. This imaging technique shows promise for detecting this rare neurological condition early.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Radiology
- Neuroimaging
Background:
- Marchiafava-Bignami disease (MBD) is a rare neurological disorder typically associated with chronic alcoholism.
- It primarily affects the corpus callosum and can lead to severe neurological deficits or death.
- Historically, MBD has had a poor prognosis with limited treatment options.
Observation:
- A 34-year-old male presented with alcohol-withdrawal delirium.
- Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW-MRI) revealed high signal intensity in the corpus callosum, indicative of MBD.
- T2-weighted MRI sequences did not clearly delineate the affected area.
Findings:
- The patient received treatment for alcohol-withdrawal delirium and MBD.
- Complete clinical and radiological recovery was observed following early intervention.
- This case suggests that MBD lesions may be reversible with prompt management.
Implications:
- Diffusion-weighted MRI is a valuable tool for the early detection of Marchiafava-Bignami disease.
- Early diagnosis and treatment can lead to favorable outcomes and reversibility of MBD.
- This case highlights the importance of advanced neuroimaging in managing alcohol-related neurological complications.