Severe depression masquerading as Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease

BMJ Case Rep. 2014 Apr 19:2014:bcr2013203352. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2013-203352.

Abstract

We report a case of melancholic depression with catatonic features presenting as a rapidly progressive organic brain syndrome, initially thought to be probable Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. The case highlights the fundamental importance of thorough exclusion of treatable pathology masquerading as an irreversible syndrome.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Catatonia / diagnosis
  • Creutzfeldt-Jakob Syndrome / diagnosis*
  • Depressive Disorder, Major / diagnosis*
  • Depressive Disorder, Major / therapy
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Electroconvulsive Therapy
  • Electroencephalography
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Hypokinesia / etiology
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Tremor / etiology