Marchiafava-Bignami disease presenting with psychosis

Abstract

Objective To report a case of Marchiafava-Bignami presenting with psychiatric symptoms.  

Materials and Methods A case diagnosed of schizophrenia consulted from psychiatrist was reviewed         

Results  A 43 year-old Thai male had been diagnosed of schizophrenia for 2 years and received treatment from 2 other mental hospitals. Because of instability of gait and generalized seizure, he was consulted for neurological evaluation. He had choriform movement of his body, limbs and head especially on excitement. Other positive findings were echolalia, dysarthria, limbs dyspraxia, mild right hemi-paresis. He had impairment of words recall and visuo-spatial orientation.  MRI brain showed demyelination, atrophic and cystic changes of corpus callosum.

Conclusion A chronic form of Marchiavava – Bignami diseases might miss diagnose as schizophrenia. Initial assessment and promptly treatment may cure or reduce morbidity.