Exploring Marchiafava-Bignami Disease: A Rare Presentation in a Young Pregnant Female

Cureus. 2024 Jun 4;16(6):e61701. doi: 10.7759/cureus.61701. eCollection 2024 Jun.

Abstract

Marchiafava-Bignami disease (MBD) is uncommon and typically linked with persistent alcohol consumption; nevertheless, instances have been reported in non-alcoholic individuals with nutritional deficiencies. Depending on the severity, this condition may manifest as acute, subacute, or chronic neurological signs and symptoms, ranging from moderate dysarthria or mild disorientation to coma and death. We report a case of a 30-year-old, 14-week pregnant female who presented with complaints of persistent vomiting and loss of appetite. She was found to have achalasia cardia on upper GI endoscopy. Later, she developed confusion, irrelevant talks and her speech was incomprehensible. An MRI of the brain was done which showed features likely that of MBD. She was started high dose intravenous thiamine to which she responded brilliantly.

Keywords: corpus callosum; demyelinating neurological disorder; hyperemesis gravidarum; marchiafava-bignami disease; parenteral thiamine.

Publication types

  • Case Reports