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Sporadic Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease presenting with cerebral atrophy following traumatic brain injury mimicking hydrocephalus: A case report

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (sCJD) is a rapidly progressive neurodegenerative disorder for which no effective treatment exists, typically resulting in death within 1 year. Nowadays, medical examinations have enhanced the accuracy and sensitivity of disease diagnosis. This study reports a patient who exhibited cognitive deficits, gait instability, and urinary incontinence 8 months after a traumatic brain injury. Admission computed tomography images revealed cerebral ventricle dilation. Further diagnostic evaluations, including magnetic resonance imaging, cerebrospinal fluid analysis for 14-3-3 protein, and electroencephalogram, led to the diagnosis of probable sCJD with assistance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The patient returned to the local hospital for conservative treatment without effective medical intervention. This case illustrates the diagnostic process for CJD and underscores the importance of differentiating rare disorders from common diseases to ensure accurate diagnosis and appropriate patient management.

Source: International Journal of Infectious Diseases

DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2026.108710

Authors: Chun Zeng, Dezhu Gao, Liang Wu

Institutions: Capital Medical University, Beijing Tian Tan Hospital

Language: English

Topic: Prion Diseases and Protein Misfolding

Subfield: Molecular Biology

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,900