Abstract
Marchiafava-Bignami disease (MBD) is a rare disorder characterized by demyelination or necrosis of the corpus callosum and adjacent white matter damage. Although the literature acknowledges that most cases of MBD occur in individuals with a history of heavy alcohol consumption, there are also reports of cases in non-alcohol users, suggesting that alcohol may not be the primary cause of the observed lesions.
The clinical manifestations of MBD are diverse and nonspecific regarding the etiology. Symptoms can present acutely, subacutely, or chronically. Acute presentations typically involve sudden loss of consciousness, seizures, while subacute onset may manifest as disconnection syndrome between the hemispheres, dysarthria, apraxia, agnosia, and in chronic expressions, cognitive decline, behavioral disturbances, psychosis, and symptoms of disconnection syndrome between the hemispheres. Diagnosis relies on typical radiological features, particularly lesions in the corpus callosum, with MRI of the brain considered the gold standard for evaluating MBD lesions.
Due to the unclear pathogenesis of MBD, specific treatment is currently lacking. Current management primarily focuses on supportive care such as vitamin B supplementation, treatment of comorbidities, and cessation of alcohol in heavy alcohol users. Prognosis is therefore cautious, but early diagnosis and intervention are crucial factors in aiding better patient recovery.