Biopsy diagnosis of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease by western blot: a case report

Hum Pathol. 1997 May;28(5):623-6. doi: 10.1016/s0046-8177(97)90086-1.

Abstract

Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease is a clinically and pathologically heterogeneous disorder that often requires brain biopsy for definitive diagnosis. We report the case of a 62-year-old man who underwent brain biopsy for progressive neurological deterioration. Histopathologically, there was minimal spongiform change that could not be unequivocally attributed to Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. A 16 mg portion of gray matter saved frozen was subsequently analyzed by Western blot and showed definitive protease-resistant prion protein. This case illustrates applicability, ease in interpretation, and accuracy of Western blot analysis for protease-resistant prion protein in small brain biopsy specimens. Given the importance of accurate diagnosis in suspected prion disease, we recommend that a small portion of tissue from any brain biopsy performed in this setting be kept frozen for possible biochemical studies.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Biopsy
  • Blotting, Western
  • Brain / metabolism
  • Brain / pathology
  • Brain / ultrastructure
  • Creutzfeldt-Jakob Syndrome / metabolism
  • Creutzfeldt-Jakob Syndrome / pathology*
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Prions / analysis*

Substances

  • Prions