A case of Marchiafava Bignami disease presenting as a cerebrovascular accident.

Abstract

Marchiafava Bignami Disease (MBD) is a reversible neurological disorder with can be difficult to diagnose initially due to variable neurological presentations that can be seen in patients. Physicians need to consider this diagnosis as the readily available treatment of thiamine can help reverse symptoms and prevent long lasting effects. We present the case of a 52-year-old man with a history of alcohol use disorder who presented with concerns for a cerebrovascular accident. The patient had neurological signs that were vague and included intermittent confusion, subtle droop to the lower lip, and ataxia in their limbs. MRI revealed restricted diffusion in the corpus callosum which helped confirm the diagnosis of MBD. Treatment with thiamine helped the patient get back to their usual state of health with no new neurological deficits. This case emphasizes that MBD is a rare neurological disorder that must be considered in patients with alcohol use disorder who present with varying neurological symptoms as early thiamine treatment can reverse symptoms.