Electroencephalographic and histopathological correlations on Jakob-Creutzfeldt disease

Three patients with Jakob-Creutzfeldt disease were studied. The clinical evolution was followed and several EEG controls were made. In all patients characteristic EEG abnormalities were present. Histopathological features in the cortical, subcortical grey matter and in the white matter were examined. Subcortical and cortical grey matter were involved while the white matter appeared intact. The results were compared with previous studies of other Authors and the correlation between the characteristic EEG alterations and the histopathological features was studied in order to explain the appearance of the paroxysmal EEG findings. In agreement with other studies, the Authors emphasized the cortical and subcortical grey matter involvement in the genesis of EEGraphic paroxysmal aspects. The intervention of other factors, possibly of histochemical nature, was postulated.