Abnormal diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance images in Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease.

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Abstract
SIGNAL-INTENSITY abnormalities in the basal ganglia, thalami, and cerebral cortex on diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance images (MRIs) have been previously reported in a single patient with Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD).1 Diffusion-weighted MRI results are now reported in a series of 4 patients, including the 1 previously described. Magnetic resonance imaging was performed in all 4 patients for evaluation of dementia. As part of the routine examination, diffusion-weighted MRIs were obtained. In all 4 patients, abnormal hyperintensity was present on diffusion-weighted images in the basal ganglia. In 1 patient, the most striking abnormality seen in diffusion-weighted images was in the thalamus. In 2 patients, abnormal hyperintensity on the diffusion-weighted MRI was also present in regions of the cerebral cortex. A diagnosis of CJD was confirmed in 3 patients by histological examination of tissue from brain biopsy. The fourth patient was diagnosed by characteristic presentation and neurologic examination findings and positive cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) protein studies.