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Periodic electroencephalogram complexes in a patient with variant Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease
Author(s) -
Binelli Simona,
Agazzi Pamela,
Giaccone Giorgio,
Will Robert G.,
Bugiani Orso,
Franceschetti Silvana,
Tagliavini Fabrizio
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
annals of neurology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 4.764
H-Index - 296
eISSN - 1531-8249
pISSN - 0364-5134
DOI - 10.1002/ana.20768
Subject(s) - electroencephalography , creutzfeldt jakob syndrome , disease , neuroscience , medicine , psychology , pathology , prion protein
Objective Based on the current criteria, the diagnosis of “possible” or “probable” variant Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease (vCJD) implies the absence of periodic sharp wave complexes (PSWCs) in the electroencephalogram (EEG). To verify this point, we investigated the development of the EEG changes along the course of the disease in a pateint with vCJD. Methods Long‐lasting EEG‐polygraphic recordings were performed once a month during the last year of illness. Results We found the occurrence of a typical EEG periodic pattern in the late clinical stage of the vCJD patient. Interpretation In the light of our finding, the diagnostic criteria for vCJD should be amended to include the possibility of a typical periodic EEG in advanced stages of disease in cases with long survival. Ann Neurol 2006;59:423–427