A fatal case of acute Marchiafava-Bignami disease complicated by acute abdomen– a case report
Dublin Core
Title
A fatal case of acute Marchiafava-Bignami disease complicated by acute abdomen– a case report
Subject
Chronic alcohol consumption, Ethanol toxicity, Altered mental state, Emergency department
Description
Abstract
Background Marchiafava-Bignami Disease (MBD) is a rare disorder characterized by demyelination and necrosis
of the corpus callosum, with only 300 documented cases worldwide. Chronic alcohol consumption and vitamin
B-complex deficiencies are contributing factors. Acute cases may present with a range of neurological symptoms,
including seizures and coma. Subacute and chronic forms can lead to interhemispheric disconnection syndrome and
progressive dementia.
Case presentation We present the case of a young male patient’s first hospital admission due to an acute decline
in conscious level. A detailed history revealed regular alcohol consumption and substandard living conditions. The
deterioration in consciousness was attributed to the diagnosis of MBD based on neurological signs, characteristic
brain imaging findings, and a history of alcohol use. In addition, a small bowel perforation was also diagnosed.
Supportive therapy and thiamine were initiated, and the patient was transferred to surgery for an operation. After two
surgeries, the perforation was covered. The patient’s level of consciousness showed slight improvement; however, the
psychiatrist noted severe cognitive deficits. Ultimately, the patient entered a septic state and passed away.
Conclusion Acute MBD can potentially cause altered mental state, coma, and death; however, cases can be
complicated by other emergency conditions. This case demonstrates the importance of a multidisciplinary approach.
Keywords Chronic alcohol consumption, Ethanol toxicity, Altered mental state, Emergency department
Background Marchiafava-Bignami Disease (MBD) is a rare disorder characterized by demyelination and necrosis
of the corpus callosum, with only 300 documented cases worldwide. Chronic alcohol consumption and vitamin
B-complex deficiencies are contributing factors. Acute cases may present with a range of neurological symptoms,
including seizures and coma. Subacute and chronic forms can lead to interhemispheric disconnection syndrome and
progressive dementia.
Case presentation We present the case of a young male patient’s first hospital admission due to an acute decline
in conscious level. A detailed history revealed regular alcohol consumption and substandard living conditions. The
deterioration in consciousness was attributed to the diagnosis of MBD based on neurological signs, characteristic
brain imaging findings, and a history of alcohol use. In addition, a small bowel perforation was also diagnosed.
Supportive therapy and thiamine were initiated, and the patient was transferred to surgery for an operation. After two
surgeries, the perforation was covered. The patient’s level of consciousness showed slight improvement; however, the
psychiatrist noted severe cognitive deficits. Ultimately, the patient entered a septic state and passed away.
Conclusion Acute MBD can potentially cause altered mental state, coma, and death; however, cases can be
complicated by other emergency conditions. This case demonstrates the importance of a multidisciplinary approach.
Keywords Chronic alcohol consumption, Ethanol toxicity, Altered mental state, Emergency department
Creator
Bence Prohászka1*, Novák Pál Kaposi2
, Zsuzsanna Jánosi2
, Bence Gunda3
, Ildikó Pákozdy1
, Szabolcs Gaál-Marschal1
,
Dóra Melicher1
, Bánk G. Fenyves1
and Csaba Varga1
, Zsuzsanna Jánosi2
, Bence Gunda3
, Ildikó Pákozdy1
, Szabolcs Gaál-Marschal1
,
Dóra Melicher1
, Bánk G. Fenyves1
and Csaba Varga1
Source
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12245-025-00873-9
Date
2025
Contributor
Peri Irawan
Format
pdf
Language
english
Type
text
Files
Collection
Citation
Bence Prohászka1*, Novák Pál Kaposi2
, Zsuzsanna Jánosi2
, Bence Gunda3
, Ildikó Pákozdy1
, Szabolcs Gaál-Marschal1
,
Dóra Melicher1
, Bánk G. Fenyves1
and Csaba Varga1, “A fatal case of acute Marchiafava-Bignami disease complicated by acute abdomen– a case report,” Repository Horizon University Indonesia, accessed April 11, 2026, https://repository.horizon.ac.id/items/show/12743.