Primary Degeneration of the Corpus Callosum (Marchiafava-Bignami's Disease)

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Abstract
Case reports of 2 Italian [male] [male] admitted to the Boston City Hospital in 1934 and 1940, respectively, are presented. The histological changes in the corpus callosum, strikingly similar in both cases, are descr. in detail. In the 1st case, a history of alcoholism and poor nutrition was associated with dementia, transitory hemiparesis, aphasia and convulsions. In the 2d case no history could be obtained, for the patient lived alone and was deaf and blind. It is believed that the diagnosis of Marchiafava-Bignami''s disease cannot usually be made with certainty during life, but it should be suspected if an elderly Italian [male] with a history of alcoholism develops an organic psychosis or dementia, with convulsions, language disturbance, and hemiparesis. The etiology of the disease is discussed. The clinical picture cannot be explained by the callosal lesion but requires postulation of a more diffuse cerebral disorder. Marchiafava-Bignami''s disease is considered a form of chronic alcoholic encephalopathy for which an inadequate diet and prolonged alcoholism are necessary antecedents.

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