Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) forms a rare group of spongiform encephalopathies that results in rapidly progressive dementia and neurologic signs, with fatal outcomes ^1-4. CJD is characterised by symmetrical/asymmetrical foci of signal abnormality and restricted diffusion in the caudate nuclei, putamina, and cerebral cortex ^1-4. DWI, combined with FLAIR, is the best sequence to evaluate patients with CJD ^1-4.

This case illustrates the typical clinical features, combined with positive CSF biomarker 14-3-3 protein, EEG and radiological findings of probable sCJD, with DWI giving the best clue to the diagnosis.

Case courtesy

• Sterfferson Morais, MD - PGY-3, radiology resident, Department of Radiology
• Tarcisio Brito Santos, MD - PGY-2, neurologist resident, Department of Neurology
• Marcelo Ataide de Lima, MD - neurologist, Department of Neurology
• Antonio Rodrigues de Aguiar Neto, MD - radiologist, Department of Radiology

Hospital da Restauração in Recife, Pe, Brazil