Marchiafava-Bignami disease presenting with psychiatric symptoms: A case report

Abstract

Marchiafava-Bignami disease (MBD), characterized by corpus callosum degeneration due to chronic patient with alcohol dependence, is a rare condition. In its clinical appearance, two main subtypes have been identified. It is known as the mild type that progresses with severe and mild symptoms that cause changes in consciousness and coma and can easily be overlooked among the signs of alcohol withdrawal. Although there are some difficulties in the diagnosis and differential diagnosis, early diagnosis and appropriate treatment approaches can prevent permanent disability and the development of coma. There are opinions that the administration of high doses of thiamine, vitamin B complexes, and steroids may be beneficial. In the diagnostic approach, corpus callosum degeneration is detected in brain neuroimaging. The prognosis of MBD may vary from patient to patient. This study, a fifty-six-year-old male patient who presented with atypical psychiatric complaints and was followed up with the diagnosis of MDD with alcohol use disorder is presented. It is aimed to contribute to the literature by discussing the patient's clinical appearance, diagnosis, and treatment in light of current literature findings.