The value of diffusion-weighted imaging in the diagnosis of Marchiafava-Bignami disease: apropos of a case

J Neuroimaging. 2008 Apr;18(2):188-90. doi: 10.1111/j.1552-6569.2007.00202.x. Epub 2007 Dec 7.

Abstract

Marchiafava-Bignami disease (MBD) is characterized by demyelination and necrosis of corpus callosum encountered in chronic alcoholic patients. Etiology is the deficiency of vitamin B complex. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in MBD typically reveals focal lesions of high T2 and FLAIR signal intensity in the corpus callosum. We here present a 42-year-old male alcoholic diagnosed as MBD on the basis of MRI and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) features. The patient totally recovered following appropriate vitamin B complex replacement therapy, despite reduced diffusion in the initial setting. This case report emphasizes on the important role played by MRI and DWI in the early diagnosis and follow-up of this potentially fatal disease.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Marchiafava-Bignami Disease / diagnosis*
  • Marchiafava-Bignami Disease / drug therapy
  • Pyridoxine / administration & dosage
  • Thiamine / administration & dosage
  • Vitamin B 12 / administration & dosage

Substances

  • Pyridoxine
  • Vitamin B 12
  • Thiamine