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Case Reports
. 2025 Jun 10;17(6):e85699.
doi: 10.7759/cureus.85699. eCollection 2025 Jun.

Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease in South Texas: A Case Series of Three Hispanic Patients

Daniela I Salinas  1   2 , Roberto A Cruz  1 , Silvia Rincon Rueda  1   3 , Leonel J Estofan  1
Affiliations
Case Reports

Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease in South Texas: A Case Series of Three Hispanic Patients

Daniela I Salinas et al. Cureus. .

Abstract

Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) is a rare, rapidly progressive neurodegenerative disorder instigated by the pleating of prion proteins. Most cases are sporadic, with no identifiable genetic or environmental trigger. This retrospective case series aims to bridge the current knowledge gap in regard to CJD in Hispanic populations. We hope to review the management and outcomes of three Hispanic patients diagnosed with sporadic CJD at a community hospital in South Texas between 2021 and 2024. Clinical data, imaging studies, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) results were reviewed for three unrelated patients aged over 55 who met the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) criteria for probable CJD. All patients presented with progressive cognitive decline, cerebellar signs, and myoclonus. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed cortical ribboning; CSF was positive for the 14-3-3 protein and/or real-time quaking-induced conversion (RT-QuIC). All patients died within two years of symptom onset. These cases highlight the need for specialized medical personnel for the early recognition of CJD symptoms in underrepresented populations. Improved awareness and diagnostic readiness can enhance care planning and avoid unnecessary delays from symptom onset to diagnosis and care.

Keywords: creutzfeldt-jakob disease; neuro-immunology; prion diseases; rapidly progressive dementia; rare neurodegenerative disease.

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Conflict of interest statement

Human subjects: Consent for treatment and open access publication was obtained or waived by all participants in this study. Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. MRI (axial view) of Case 1 with cortical hyperintensity in DWI sequence
The arrows point to the cortical ribboning of the bilateral (A) temporal, (B) occipital, and (C) parietal lobes. DWI: diffusion-weighted imaging
Figure 2
Figure 2. MRI (axial view) of Case 2 with cortical hyperintensity in DWI sequence
The arrows point to the cortical ribboning of the bilateral (A) temporal, (B) frontal, and (C) parietal lobes. DWI: diffusion-weighted imaging
Figure 3
Figure 3. EEG of Patient 2
The EEG readings within the red squares showed the sharp triphasic waves in (A) Fp1-F7 and Fp2-F8. This progressed to epileptiform activity involving (B) all cerebral lobes.
Figure 4
Figure 4. MRI (axial view) of Case 3 with cortical hyperintensity in DWI sequence
The arrows point to the cortical ribboning of the bilateral (A) occipital, (B) frontal, temporal, and (C) parietal lobes. DWI: diffusion-weighted imaging
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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