Marchiafava-Bignami Disease

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Practice Essentials

Marchiafava-Bignami disease (MBD) is a rare condition characterized by demyelination of the corpus callosum. It is seen most often in patients with chronic alcoholism. 

Signs and symptoms

There is substantial heterogeneity regarding the tempo of onset and range of clinical symptoms. Some patients present at the hospital with a sudden onset of stupor or coma, and some also present with seizures. In addition, some patients experience an acute, subacute, or chronic onset of dementia. Spasticity is also observed, frequently complicating the gait disorder and psychiatric disturbances, such as acute psychosis, apathy, or depression.[1]  Other observed symptoms may include incontinence, hemiparesis, aphasia, dysarthria, apraxia, and signs of interhemispheric disconnection.

Diagnosis

Because many patients with MBD present with stupor or coma and seizures, the initial laboratory investigations should include measurements of serum electrolyte and glucose levels, a complete blood count (CBC), and toxicology screening.

MRI is currently the most sensitive diagnostic tool for MBD.[2, 3] Fast spin-echo, T2-weighted MRI scans show hyperintensity of the lesions due to edema and myelin damage. 

Management

Treatment of MBD typically involves correcting the underlying cause and administering thiamine, vitamin B-12, and folic acid supplements. There is a significant linear trend towards improved outcomes with 500 mg of intravenous thiamine every 8 hours.[4]

Background

Marchiafava-Bignami disease (MBD) is a rare condition characterized by demyelination of the corpus callosum. It is seen most often in patients with chronic alcoholism. (See Etiology and Pathophysiology.)

In 1903, Italian pathologists Marchiafava and Bignami described 3 alcoholic men who died after having seizures and coma. In each patient, the middle two thirds of the corpus callosum was found to be severely necrotic. Through the years, the medical literature accumulated hundreds of cases of MBD.[5] Most of these cases were found in alcoholic men.

With the advent of computed tomography (CT) scanning and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), more cases of MBD have been recognized than before. Analyses of such cases have revealed several patterns, including scattered lesions or cysts observed at intervals from the front to the back of the callosum. Nearby areas (eg, anterior commissure, posterior commissure, brachium pontis, other white-matter tracts) and the centrum semiovale are frequently involved. (See Workup.)

Subtypes of MBD

In 2004, Heinrich et al described 2 clinical subtypes of MBD as follows, based on a review of 50 radiologic cases diagnosed in vivo:[6]

Etiology and Pathophysiology

It has long been accepted that the etiology of Marchiafava-Bignami disease (MBD) is likely either toxic or nutritional, as it is seen predominantly in malnourished alcoholics. After a literature review of 100 studies in 2017, Fernandes et al[7] suggested a synergism between ethanol-induced neurotoxic effects and hypovitaminosis B, particularly B1. While alcoholism and poor nutrition remain the greatest risk factors for MBD, there have been a few cases reported in individuals who were not malnourished and did not drink alcohol. For example, several case reports of MBD have been reported in patients with dramatic fluctuations in serum glucose in the setting of poorly controlled diabetes.[8, 9, 10] This suggests that abrupt changes in serum osmolality may lead to myelinolysis of the corpus callosum, similar to the mechanism implied in central pontine myelinolysis. In addition to alcoholism, malnutrition, and wide fluctuations in serum glucose, Jorge et al describe a case of MBD in a young trauma patient in 2015.[11]

Although the callosal lesions are the hallmark of the disease, for years some cases of MBD were known to be associated with cortical damage in addition to damage to the white matter tracts of the corpus callosum. Generally, the cortical damage was in the lateral frontal and the temporal lobes, mainly in the third (although sometimes also in the fourth) cortical layer. In these areas, the neurons degenerated and were replaced by glial cells. In 1939, Morel described this as cortical laminar sclerosis (now known as Morel cortical laminar sclerosis).[12]

Although Morel did not report an association between cortical laminar sclerosis and MBD, many subsequent authors did, including Jequier and Wildi in 1956[13] and Delay et al in 1959.[14, 15] Indeed, Ropper et al stated in 2005,[16] in Adams and Victor's Principles of Neurology, that Jequier and Adams (in an otherwise unpublished review) reexamined Morel's slides and found evidence of MBD in all of those cases. Thus, the prevailing view has generally been that Morel cortical laminar sclerosis is secondary to MBD.

Nevertheless, in 1978, Naeije et al reported a case of Morel cortical laminar sclerosis in an alcoholic woman who did not have MBD.[17] In addition, Okeda et al reported 3 cases of cortical laminar sclerosis in 1986 in patients who had various combinations of pontine and extrapontine myelinolysis but who did not have MBD.[18] One of these patients had alcoholic cirrhosis and 2 had malignancies.

Epidemiology

Although this disease occurs in both sexes, most cases are found in men. Most cases of Marchiafava-Bignami disease (MBD) occur in persons older than 45 years.

Alcohol abuse is such a common problem that underdiagnosis of MBD seems likely (although now, with the availability MRI, fewer cases are going undiagnosed). In addition, many cases of MBD may be diagnosed but not reported, and autopsies are largely not performed. Hence, the disease may be more common than thought, and the overall outcome may be better than previously believed.

Occurrence in the United States

MBD is a very rare condition. In 2001, Helenius et al wrote that they had found approximately 250 cases in published reports, although they also suggested that many cases had gone undiagnosed.[19]

The authors of this article have estimated that approximately 300 cases of MBD turned up in published reports between 1966 and November 2008. Another 40 or 50 cases have been mentioned in textbooks that are too old to have been included in the author's PubMed search.

International occurrence

International cases of MBD are similar to US cases, but one additional detail deserves mention. Some of the old literature on MBD suggested that this condition was more common in Italians. This was solely an artifact of the initial cases having been found in Italy and the fact that, at first, Italian physicians were apparently the only investigators interested in finding such cases. MBD has since been found in persons from all over the world.

It is now firmly believed that no national, geographic, ethnic, or racial predilection is known for MBD. However, with such few reports, the numbers of cases reported from each country could not be expected to be exactly in proportion to the population size of each country. In 2006, Staszewski et al described the first case in Poland, which was detected by MRI.[20]

Prognosis

In the era before CT scanning, Marchiafava-Bignami disease (MBD) was found almost exclusively at autopsy. Patients with the condition usually died from the effects of alcoholism and typically had severe neuropsychological deficits before death. Helenius et al reported in 2004 that among approximately 250 known patients with MBD, 200 died, 30 remained severely demented or bedridden, and only 20 had a favorable outcome. If the underlying cause of MBD is alcoholism, the prognosis is poor unless the patient adheres to an alcohol treatment program.

However, modern CT scanning and MRI have allowed the detection of mild cases of the disease, and some patients have recovered with minimal deficits. Moreover, data suggest an improved overall prognosis for MBD.

The prognosis for MBD is correlated with the subtype, as follows:

Radiologic findings

In a 2004 review of acute and chronic cases of MBD, Heinrich et al separated most cases into 2 groups. Group A included the worst cases, in which patients presented with coma or other severe impairment of consciousness. On MRI scans, their lesions typically involved most or all of the corpus callosum. For example, in the acute phase, the entire corpus callosum was commonly hyperintense on T2-weighted MRI scans. As the lesions evolved, considerable necrosis occurred, and cystic areas of necrosis were present in most or many regions of the corpus callosum. The death rate for patients with such presentations was high (21%), and those who lived frequently had severe deficits.

In group B, patients had little or no impairment of consciousness. Their deficits were subtle and included various cognitive difficulties and signs of impaired interhemispheric information transfer, gait disturbances, dysarthria, limb hypotonia, and rare seizures or upper motor neuron signs. Initial hyperintense lesions on T2-weighted MRI scans were limited to a few areas of the corpus callosum. Some cystic necrotic areas developed over time, but they were fewer and smaller than those in type A. No deaths occurred in this group, and patients frequently had good recoveries.

The authors did not attempt to correlate the severity of the cases with the presumed causes. Patients with the most severe alcoholism might have been in group A, but this is speculation. In both groups, the amount of early callosal edema in the acute phase often markedly exceeded the areas of ultimate cystic necrosis.

In 2006, Menegon et al reported 6 patients with MBD in whom (1) the entire corpus callosum appeared to be affected by a reduced apparent diffusion coefficient, as seen on diffusion-weighted imaging studies, and (2) lateral and frontal cortical lesions were also detected by diffusion-weighted imaging. Menegon et al suggested, on the basis of the outcomes of their patients, that such a combination of findings was a harbinger of poor outcome for cognitive recovery and for survival.[21]

However, as pointed out by Khaw et al in 2006,[22] the older literature, such as that by Brion, from 1977,[23] does not support a correlation between laminar sclerosis and bad outcome. In addition, studies such as that by Hlaihel et al from 2006[24] do not support a correlation between reduced apparent diffusion coefficient and poor prognosis or even with irreversibility of the lesion.

Finally, they noted that cortical MRI findings have not been definitively correlated with the specific pathology of Morel cortical laminar sclerosis. However, if indeed they represent laminar sclerosis, the fact that this is present in the acute or subacute stages of MBD may force a reevaluation of the thought that laminar sclerosis is a secondary consequence of the MBD.

History

Most patients diagnosed with Marchiafava-Bignami disease (MBD) have a history of alcoholism and poor nutrition. However, there have been various reports of MBD without a history of alcoholism, including metabolic disorders and malnutrition alone.[25, 26, 27]  To illustrate, MBD patients with a history of poor nutrition and various vitamin deficiencies, particularly thiamine, B12, and folate, have been reported. Despite poor nutrition, some metabolic disorders, such as poorly controlled diabetes and diabetic ketoacidosis, were also found to cause MBD.[27, 28, 29]  Some cases have been attributed to a chronic, occlusive cerebrovascular disease compatible with Moyamoya disease 40, and rare cases have been linked to AIDS.[30]  

There is substantial heterogeneity regarding the tempo of onset and range of clinical symptoms. Some patients present at the hospital with a sudden onset of stupor or coma, and some also present with seizures. In addition, some patients experience an acute, subacute, or chronic onset of dementia. Spasticity is also observed, frequently complicating the gait disorder and psychiatric disturbances, such as acute psychosis, apathy, or depression.42 Other observed symptoms may include incontinence, hemiparesis, aphasia, dysarthria, apraxia, and signs of interhemispheric disconnection.

Physical Examination

Although the physical findings in Marchiafava-Bignami disease (MBD) are typically nonspecific, a good physical examination may offer clues to the diagnosis. However, patients with severe alcoholism who have this syndrome frequently have other problems, such as subdural hemorrhage, Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, and alcoholic liver disease. Therefore, the diagnosis is not often clear.

General appearance and constitution

Patients later found to have MBD frequently present to an emergency department in a disheveled condition suggestive of chronic problems with alcohol.

Mental status

Patients can be lethargic, stuporous, or even unconscious (coma or seizures). If a patient is sufficiently alert for extensive neuropsychological testing, testing for ideomotor apraxia (ie, inability to perform motor activities that is not explainable by overt motor or sensory loss) may be revealing.[31]

Apraxia of the left (or nondominant) hand suggests interhemispheric disconnection (ie, impaired transfer of information from the left hemisphere to the right hemisphere). Damage to the fibers of the corpus callosum is the cause.

Inability to retain new information (ie, Korsakoff syndrome, the chronic phase of Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome) and delirium tremens should suggest alcoholism and prompt the examiner to consider other alcohol-related problems, such as MBD. Dementia and aphasia have been noted in some patients with this disease.

Cranial nerves

Nystagmus or disconjugate eye movements, possibly together with confusion and/or ataxia, may indicate the acute/subacute encephalopathic Wernicke phase of the Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, which should prompt the examiner to consider MBD.

Motor function

Tremors, weakness, spasticity, and gait abnormalities, although nonspecific, have been seen in patients with MBD.

Delirium tremens is another alcohol-induced problem that patients with MBD may have. Currently, no evidence suggests that the presence of one is either positively or negatively correlated with the presence of the other.

Sensory function

Sensory loss may suggest an alcoholic neuropathy.

Cerebellar functions

Wide-based gait and truncal ataxia suggest alcoholism.

Reflexes

Alcoholic neuropathy can cause a loss of deep tendon reflexes and, therefore, prompt the consideration of MBD in some patients. The presence or absence of Babinski signs is not known to be specifically related to MBD.

Approach Considerations

Because many patients with Marchiafava-Bignami disease (MBD) present with stupor or coma and seizures, the initial laboratory investigations should include measurements of serum electrolyte and glucose levels, a complete blood count (CBC), and toxicology screening. Glucose and intravenous (IV) thiamine are frequently given in the emergency department immediately after blood is drawn.

A spinal tap often is needed and usually is performed after findings on a brain CT scan have excluded an intracranial mass or hemorrhage.

Electroencephalography

Electroencephalography is frequently performed to evaluate seizures. No electroencephalographic findings are specific for or characteristic of MBD.[32]

CT scanning

CT brain scan demonstrates symmetrical hypodensity in the corpus callosum; however, lesions may not be visible on the scan and CT may not be able to detect early lesions in cases of acute MB disease.[33, 34]  Findings on the initial CT scan may confirm the diagnosis of MBD. If callosal damage is mild, however, it may go unnoticed until the radiologist carefully reviews the CT scan. In some cases, the lesions may not be visible on the scan.

MRI

MRI is currently the most sensitive diagnostic tool for Marchiafava-Bignami disease (MBD).[2, 3] Fast spin-echo, T2-weighted MRI scans show hyperintensity of the lesions due to edema and myelin damage. 

Hypointensity on T1-weighted images is mainly related to a total loss of myelin, with replacement of the region by a cyst. The “sandwich sign” is pathoneumonic for MBD and is seen on T1 weighted images as hypointensity in the central layers of the corpus callosum with sparing of the dorsal and ventral layers. Neurons can also be lost, in a situation similar to that of multiple sclerosis. As reported by Sair et al., diffusion tensor imaging and the associated technique of fiber tracking can further increase the sensitivity of MRI.[35]



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Sagittal fluid attenuation and inversion recovery image displaying central hypointensity (suggesting cavitation) with surrounding hyperintense rim (ac....

Acute or subacute lesions are characterized by edema and early myelin damage more than other changes. As lesions become chronic, cystic lesions are likely to develop. Cystic lesions are generally hyperintense around the rim on T2-weighted MRI scans and hypointense in the actual cavity on T1-weighted images.



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T2-weighted axial image in a patient with Marchiafava-Bignami disease showing a high-signal lesion in the corpus callosum.

Fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) images may be even more sensitive than those described above. Hyperintense rims and hypointense cores on FLAIR images probably represent damage to the myelin at the rim, with a central necrotic area. Uniformly hyperintense lesions may contain a mixture of demyelination and edema. In acute lesions, the area of edema seen is frequently larger than that of permanent damage.

Pathology may also be seen in diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI). DWI identifies the earliest signs of lesions and can detect callosal lesions in MBD that are more extensive than FLAIR. Sometimes, cytotoxic injury has been observed concurrently in other parts of the brain, and it may precede the development of callosal necrosis and predict a poor outcome.[36]  Unlike in stroke however, in MBD, according to a report by Hlaihel et al, it is not uncommon for areas of restricted diffusion to resolve completely without apparent permanent damage.[24, 37]

Histologic Findings

Degeneration of the corpus callosum is a cardinal feature of Marchiafava-Bignami disease (MBD). The middle portion (middle lamina) of the myelinated fiber tracts of the corpus callosum degenerates. The degeneration is frequently, but not always, uniform. In some cases, the anterior portion is preferentially involved, with the most severe degeneration in the center of the lesion.

The anterior and posterior commissures, the centrum semiovale, the brachium pontis, and the other white-matter tracts (eg, the long association fibers and the middle cerebral peduncles) may also be affected. However, the internal capsule and corona radiata, as well as the shorter arcuate subgyral association fibers, are typically spared. If the splenium of the corpus callosum is affected, the greatest degeneration most commonly occurs in the lateral portions of the middle segment.

Histopathologic studies reveal abundant macrophages in the areas of lesions. Otherwise, little inflammatory reaction is noted. Axons are demyelinated in the involved areas, but the axon cylinders are relatively spared, particularly in the peripheral portions of the lesions. Deep in the lesion, cavitation, or cyst formation may be seen and corresponds to complete necrosis of all neural and glial elements.

Patients with MBD do not usually have midline lesions, which are typical in patients with Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome (of the medial thalamus or mamillary bodies).

Finally, as previously mentioned, cortical lesions are sometimes found on postmortem neuropathologic studies. In such cases, neuronal degeneration of the third and fourth layers of the frontal and temporal cortices has been found, with replacement of the neuron by gliosis (ie, Morel cortical laminar sclerosis).

Controversy exists as to whether cortical MRI findings in MBD actually correlate with such pathologic findings and whether they may have implications for prognosis. Whether the cortical findings are secondary to the callosal damage, whether both are caused by a similar process, or whether they are coincidental findings that may also occur separately, particularly in severe alcoholism, malnutrition, and/or other severe impairments, remains unclear.

Staging

Li et al classify acute Marchiafava-Bignami disease (MBD) into three types by MRI findings. Type I has DWI restriction in the entire corpus callosum. Type II has DWI restriction in at least two parts of the corpus callosum. Type III has DWI restriction in only one part of the corpus callosum. The cavitation or atrophy of the corpus callosum occurs more often in type III. In contrast, DWI restriction outside the corpus callosum occurs more often in type I. DWI restriction remains reversible and is possibly curative. On the other hand, cavitation and atrophy represent permanent lesions and are irreversible. MBD patients with type I have better outcomes than those with type III.[38]

The MRI findings of all three types of acute MBD are demonstrated below.



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Type 1: DWI restriction (hyperintensity), confirmed with correlated hypointensity in ADC, represented cytotoxic injury, involves the entire (red arrow....



View Image

Type 2: Faint DWI restriction (hyperintensity) correlated with hypointensity in ADC develops in the genu and splenium of the corpus callosum (red arro....



View Image

Type 3: Cavitation in the genu and splenium of the corpus callosum is demonstrated with hypointensity in axial DWI and sagittal T1 and hyperintensity ....

Approach Considerations

Treatment of Marchiafava-Bignami disease (MBD) typically involves correcting the underlying cause and administering thiamine, vitamin B-12, and folic acid supplements. There is a significant linear trend towards improved outcomes with 500 mg of intravenous thiamine every 8 hours.[4]  In 2014, Hillborn et al[36] reviewed data from 153 cases of MBD confirmed by brain imaging. They observed a significant trend for a better overall outcome in subjects who were treated with thiamine compared to those who remained untreated. The dose of thiamine should be the same as recommended for Wernicke’s disease, and the therapy should continue for as long as recovery is going on. Multiple studies have shown that early administration of parenteral thiamine is associated with better outcomes, particularly if administered within 2 weeks of symptom onset.[36]  The therapy should continue for as long as recovery is continued. Corticosteroids are often used in the treatment of MBD and may reduce brain edema, suppress demyelination, stabilize the blood–brain barrier, and reduce inflammation. However, in their analysis, Hillborn et al could not observe any positive net effect. This may have been because many cases were treated with both steroids and multivitamins, making it difficult to ascertain which played the major role in recovery. However, they reported no adverse effects associated with steroid treatment. 

With regard to more unusual treatments, a case report by Staszewski et al described amantadine given together with thiamine, vitamin B-12, and folate; the patient improved.[20] In another case reported by Kikkawa et al, the administration of high-dose corticosteroids was said to precede clinical improvement. In patients who improved, the CT and MRI scan findings also improved, at least somewhat.[39]

Medical Care

Inpatient care

Patients with Marchiafava-Bignami disease (MBD) are usually admitted because they present with stupor, coma, and, frequently, seizures.

Follow-up

Surviving patients should receive rehabilitation and, if appropriate, alcohol and nutritional counseling.

Consultations

Depending on the specific presentation and course of Marchiafava-Bignami disease (MBD), the patient may require consultation with the following specialists:

Medication Summary

Pharmacologic therapy is directed mainly toward alleviation of symptoms of the disorder. 

Thiamine

Clinical Context:  Thiamine is a water-soluble vitamin that combines with adenosine triphosphate to form the coenzyme thiamine pyrophosphate, which is necessary for carbohydrate metabolism. The B vitamins are readily absorbed from the gastrointestinal (GI) tract (except in cases of malabsorption syndromes). Alcohol inhibits the absorption of thiamine, which occurs primarily in the duodenum.

Class Summary

Agents in this category may be used for symptomatic improvement. Improvement has been seen in the small number of individual patients who received treatments that included at least 1 agent in this drug category.

Methylprednisolone (Depo-Medrol, Medrol, Solu-Medrol)

Clinical Context:  Methylprednisolone may decrease inflammation by reversing increased capillary permeability and suppressing polymorphonuclear (PMN) leukocyte activity.

Class Summary

Systemic corticosteroids may be prescribed for symptoms. Improvement has been seen in the small number of individual patients who received treatments that included at least 1 agent in this drug category.

Amantadine (Gocovri, Osmolex ER)

Clinical Context:  Amantadine inhibits N-methyl-D-aspartic acid (NMDA) receptor-mediated stimulation of acetylcholine release in rat striatum. Amantadine may enhance dopamine release, inhibit dopamine reuptake, stimulate postsynaptic dopamine receptors, or enhance dopamine receptor sensitivity.

Class Summary

Agents in this category may alter dopamine release or reuptake and actions at glutamate receptors. Improvement has been seen in the small number of individual patients who received treatments that included at least 1 agent in this drug category.

Author

Sombat Muengtaweepongsa, MD, MSc, Professor, Center of Excellence in Stroke, Associate Dean for Research and Innovations, Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Thammasat University, Thailand

Disclosure: Serve(d) as a speaker or a member of a speakers bureau for: Boehringer Ingelheim; Astra Zeneca; Novo Nordisk; Daiichi Sankyo; Bayer<br/>Received research grant from: Faculty of Medicine, Thammasat University.

Coauthor(s)

Thanapat Dechasasawat, MD, Clinical Instructor, Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Thammasat University; Attending Neuroradiologist, Thammasat University Hospital, Thailand

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Vatcharasorn Panpattanakul, MD, Lecturer, Division of Neurology, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Phayao; Neurologist, University of Phayao Hospital, Thailand

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Specialty Editors

Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD, Adjunct Assistant Professor, University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Pharmacy; Editor-in-Chief, Medscape Drug Reference

Disclosure: Received salary from Medscape for employment. for: Medscape.

Chief Editor

Stephen L Nelson, Jr, MD, PhD, FAACPDM, FAAN, FAAP, FANA, Professor of Pediatrics, Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry, Medical Director, Tulane Center for Autism and Related Disorders, Tulane University School of Medicine; Pediatric Neurologist and Epileptologist, Ochsner Hospital for Children; Professor of Neurology, Louisiana State University School of Medicine

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Additional Contributors

Cortney Lyford, MD, Resident Physician, Department of Psychiatry, Maine Medical Center

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Eric Dinnerstein, MD, Consulting Staff Neurologist, Maine Medical Partners Neurology

Disclosure: Received grant/research funds from Janssen Pharmaceuticals for pi conpensation.

Jennifer L Ault, DO, DPT, Physician, Department of Pain Management, Sutter East Bay Medical Foundation

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Mardjohan Hardjasudarma, MD, MS, Chief of Neuroradiology, Program Director, Professor, Departments of Clinical Radiology and Ophthalmology, Louisiana State University School of Medicine in Shreveport

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Stephen A Berman, MD, PhD, MBA, Professor of Neurology, University of Central Florida College of Medicine

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Acknowledgements

Jonathan S Rutchik, MD, MPH Assistant Professor, Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, University of California at San Francisco

Jonathan S Rutchik, MD, MPH is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Neurology, American Association of Neuromuscular and Electrodiagnostic Medicine, American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, and Society of Toxicology

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD Adjunct Assistant Professor, University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Pharmacy; Editor-in-Chief, Medscape Drug Reference

Disclosure: Medscape Reference Salary Employment

Florian P Thomas, MD, MA, PhD, Drmed Director, Spinal Cord Injury Unit, St Louis Veterans Affairs Medical Center; Director, National MS Society Multiple Sclerosis Center; Director, Neuropathy Association Center of Excellence, Professor, Department of Neurology and Psychiatry, Associate Professor, Institute for Molecular Virology, and Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, St Louis University School of Medicine

Florian P Thomas, MD, MA, PhD, Drmed is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Neurology, American Neurological Association, American Paraplegia Society, Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers, and National Multiple Sclerosis Society

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

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Sagittal fluid attenuation and inversion recovery image displaying hyperintensity involving the entire corpus callosum.

T2-weighted axial image in a patient with Marchiafava-Bignami disease showing a high-signal lesion in the corpus callosum.

Sagittal fluid attenuation and inversion recovery image displaying central hypointensity (suggesting cavitation) with surrounding hyperintense rim (active inflammation) (white arrowheads) involving the genu, body, and splenium of corpus callosum. Courtesy of Case Reports in Radiology, Hindawi Publishing Corp.

T2-weighted axial image in a patient with Marchiafava-Bignami disease showing a high-signal lesion in the corpus callosum.

Type 1: DWI restriction (hyperintensity), confirmed with correlated hypointensity in ADC, represented cytotoxic injury, involves the entire (red arrows) and outside (yellow arrows) corpus callosum. Sagittal T1 shows no atrophy or cavitation of the corpus callosum (blue arrows).

Type 2: Faint DWI restriction (hyperintensity) correlated with hypointensity in ADC develops in the genu and splenium of the corpus callosum (red arrows). Again, no atrophy or cavitation of the corpus callosum is demonstrated in Sagittal T1 (blue arrows).

Type 3: Cavitation in the genu and splenium of the corpus callosum is demonstrated with hypointensity in axial DWI and sagittal T1 and hyperintensity in ADC (yellow arrows). DWI restriction (hyperintensity) correlated with hypointensity in ADC remains appearing (red arrows). Atrophy of the corpus callosum is demonstrated in Sagittal T1 (blue arrows).

T2-weighted axial image in a patient with Marchiafava-Bignami disease showing a high-signal lesion in the corpus callosum.

Sagittal fluid attenuation and inversion recovery image displaying central hypointensity (suggesting cavitation) with surrounding hyperintense rim (active inflammation) (white arrowheads) involving the genu, body, and splenium of corpus callosum. Courtesy of Case Reports in Radiology, Hindawi Publishing Corp.

Sagittal fluid attenuation and inversion recovery image displaying hyperintensity involving the entire corpus callosum.

Type 1: DWI restriction (hyperintensity), confirmed with correlated hypointensity in ADC, represented cytotoxic injury, involves the entire (red arrows) and outside (yellow arrows) corpus callosum. Sagittal T1 shows no atrophy or cavitation of the corpus callosum (blue arrows).

Type 2: Faint DWI restriction (hyperintensity) correlated with hypointensity in ADC develops in the genu and splenium of the corpus callosum (red arrows). Again, no atrophy or cavitation of the corpus callosum is demonstrated in Sagittal T1 (blue arrows).

Type 3: Cavitation in the genu and splenium of the corpus callosum is demonstrated with hypointensity in axial DWI and sagittal T1 and hyperintensity in ADC (yellow arrows). DWI restriction (hyperintensity) correlated with hypointensity in ADC remains appearing (red arrows). Atrophy of the corpus callosum is demonstrated in Sagittal T1 (blue arrows).