Status Epilepticus in Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease: A Case Report of an Unusual Presentation

Abstract

Although non-prion neurodegenerative illnesses are the main causes of rapidly progressive dementia (RPD), a case of RPD should be evaluated for Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD), a kind of prion disease. We describe a 71-year-old man who first displayed a lack of coordination before developing focal seizures accompanied by myoclonic jerks as well as left hemibody weakness and incoordination. As part of the additional diagnostic workup, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analyses, 72 hours of prolonged electroencephalogram (EEG) monitoring, and additional brain imaging were obtained. Cortical ribboning was seen in the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain, protein 14-3-3 test in the CSF was normal, lateralized and generalized periodic discharges were seen on the EEG. After the patient was examined for additional causes, such as autoimmune encephalitis and seizures, the diagnosis of likely CJD was made. Ultimately, an autopsy was performed and confirmed the diagnosis of definitive CJD.