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Published on: February 14, 2025
Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease
Mohsin Zaheer1, Adil Iqbal, Abdul Majeed
1Department of Neurology, Mayo Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan. drmzaheer@hotmail.com
Summary
Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) is a rare prion disease causing rapid dementia. This case highlights a patient with progressive neurological decline, leading to a CJD diagnosis based on clinical and imaging findings.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Prion Diseases
- Neurodegenerative Disorders
Background:
- Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) is a fatal prion-related disorder.
- It is characterized by rapidly progressive dementia, myoclonus, and ataxia.
Observation:
- A 55-year-old male presented with a year-long history of depressive and obsessive-compulsive symptoms.
- Symptoms progressed to include ataxia, memory loss, disorientation, myoclonic jerks, and gait difficulties.
- The patient became bed-bound, mute, and exhibited startle responses to stimuli.
Findings:
- Diagnosis of CJD was established based on the characteristic clinical presentation.
- Electroencephalography (EEG) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings were suggestive of CJD.
- Other potential causes for the rapid neurological decline were excluded.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of recognizing the diverse initial symptoms of CJD.
- Early diagnosis, though challenging, is crucial for patient management and research.
- Understanding CJD progression aids in differentiating it from other rapidly progressive dementias.
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