# Sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease With Spinal Cord Lesions: A Case Report

## TL;DR

This case report describes a rare instance of sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease with spinal cord lesions, highlighting its unusual presentation and rapid progression.

## Contribution

The novelty lies in documenting a rare sCJD case with spinal cord involvement and its clinical implications.

## Key findings

- Sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease can present with spinal cord lesions, a rare occurrence.
- Spinal cord involvement in sCJD may be linked to a poor prognosis and rapid clinical decline.
- Diagnosis was supported by characteristic MRI and EEG findings despite initial confusion with autoimmune encephalitis.

## Abstract

Sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (sCJD) typically presents with cognitive impairment, ataxia, visual disturbances, pyramidal and extrapyramidal signs, and myoclonus. Neuropathological involvement predominantly affects the cerebrum; however, spinal cord involvement is rare.

A 77-year-old man initially presented with numbness in the left lower limb, followed several months later by progressive lower limb paralysis and urinary dysfunction. Spinal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed spinal cord lesions, and he was admitted to a local hospital with suspected spinal cord disease. During hospitalization, his level of consciousness deteriorated, prompting transfer to our institution. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis demonstrated an elevated IgG index, making differentiation from autoimmune encephalitis challenging. However, characteristic MRI and electroencephalographic findings supported a final diagnosis of sCJD. His condition rapidly worsened, and he died approximately one month after the onset of impaired consciousness.

We report a rare case of sCJD with spinal cord involvement. The presence of spinal cord lesions may be associated with a poor prognosis and warrants clinical attention.