A case of Marchiafava-Bignami disease: MRI findings on spin-echo and fluid attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) images

doi:10.1016/S0720-048X(99)00125-4

European Journal of Radiology

Volume 34, Issue 2, 1 May 2000, Pages 141-143

https://doi.org/10.1016/S0720-048X(99)00125-4 Get rights and content

Abstract

Marchiafava-Bignami disease (MBD) was diagnosed in a 56-year-old man. Spin-echo (SE) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at the acute phase showed normal signal areas in the central layer of the corpus callosum (CC), although the intensity of these areas revealed abnormal hyperintensity on fluid attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR). On follow-up SE MRI at the late phase, the central layer of the CC showed fluid-like intensity. On FLAIR MRI, the lesions of the CC turned into hypointense cores surrounded by hyperintense rims indicating central necrosis and peripheral demyelination. Degenerative changes of the CC in MBD were clearly demonstrated by FLAIR MRI.

Section snippets

Case report

A 56-year-old Japanese man, who drank Japanese sake, approximately 200 g pure alcohol per day for 25 years, was admitted to the hospital because of behavioral impairment and consciousness disturbance. On admission, he appeared malnourished, cognitively impaired, confused, and was associated with tremors at the right digits. On physical examination, muscle weakness of the upper and lower extremities was noted. Deep tendon reflexes were brisk. The pupils were isocoria, and eye movements and light

Discussion

Diffuse thickening of the CC and T1- and T2- prolonged areas in the CC are considered characteristic MRI findings of MBD at the acute phase [1], [2]. In the present case, the signal intensity of the central layer of the CC was intermediate on the initial T2-weighted MRI, although diffuse thickening of the CC and a peripheral high intensity zone of the CC were noted. The foci of hypointensity on T2-weighted MRI in the central layer of the CC were reported by Chang et al. [1]. Pathological

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Citation Excerpt :
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Marchiafava-Bignami disease: Magnetic resonance imaging findings in corpus callosum and subcortical white matter
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A case of Marchiafava–Bignami disease (MBD) is presented using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). A patient with a long history of alcoholism developed a gait disturbance with involuntary movements at the lower extremities. MRI scans taken at the onset showed no particular abnormalities. He progressed to a coma 10 days later. MRI scans taken 20 days after the onset showed a focal lesion at the genu of the corpus callosum and he was diagnosed as having MBD. In addition, multiple lesions were observed in bilateral frontoparietal subcortical white matter. These lesions demonstrated similar intense MRI signals as the corpus callosum.

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Case reportA case of Marchiafava-Bignami disease: MRI findings on spin-echo and fluid attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) images

Abstract

Section snippets

Case report

Discussion

J. Neurol. Sci.

Marchiafava-Bignami disease: serial changes in corpus callosum on MRI

Neuroradiology

Marchiafava-Bignami disease: reversibility of neuroimaing abnormality

J. Comput. Assist. Tomogr.

Marchiafava-Bignami syndrome

Case report
A case of Marchiafava-Bignami disease: MRI findings on spin-echo and fluid attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) images