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Updated: Jun 2, 2026
Assessing Cortical Cerebral Microinfarcts on High Resolution MR Images
Published on: November 20, 2015
Cortical restricted diffusion as the predominant MRI finding in sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease
Sabrina D Talbott1, Brian M Plato, Ronald J Sattenberg
1Department of Radiology, University of Louisville, KY, USA. sdtalb02@gwise.louisville.edu
Abstract:
Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease is a rare and fatal neurodegenerative disorder with MR findings predominantly limited to the grey matter of the cortex and the basal ganglia. Sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease can produce a spectrum of MR imaging findings of the brain, most notably on DWI and FLAIR sequences. Involvement of the basal ganglia and neocortex is the most common finding, but isolated involvement of the cortex can also be seen. We describe the clinical history and MRI findings of three patients with sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease confirmed by brain biopsy or autopsy and review the literature of imaging manifestations of this disease.
Insights
Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) is a rare brain disorder. MRI scans reveal characteristic changes in the brain
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Radiology
- Neurodegenerative Diseases
Background:
- Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) is a rare, fatal neurodegenerative disorder.
- It primarily affects the brain's grey matter, including the cortex and basal ganglia.
Observation:
- Sporadic CJD presents with diverse brain MRI findings.
- Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and FLAIR sequences are particularly sensitive.
Findings:
- The most common MRI finding is the involvement of basal ganglia and neocortex.
- Isolated cortical involvement can also occur in sporadic CJD.
- This study details three confirmed sporadic CJD cases and reviews imaging literature.
Implications:
- Understanding MRI manifestations aids in early diagnosis of CJD.
- Accurate imaging interpretation is crucial for differentiating CJD from other neurological conditions.
- Further research into CJD imaging biomarkers may improve diagnostic capabilities.
