Diagnostic overshadowing in sporadic Creutzfeldt‐Jakob disease?

Abstract

Creutzfeldt‐Jakob disease (CJD) is a rare, progressive neurological condition of which the sporadic form is most common. It can present with a wide variety of symptoms that make its recognition difficult. In this case there was a rapid progression of neurological symptoms that presented as catatonia. The presence of a history of depression contributed to diagnostic overshadowing, delaying medical investigation of catatonia. While not included in the Euro CJD or WHO criteria, psychiatric symptoms are common in sporadic CJD and their presence therefore should not preclude thorough medical investigation.