title: Drug-induced Creutzfeldt-Jakob like syndrome.
abstract: A patient with progressive neurological deterioration characterized by cognitive impairment, myoclonus, Parkinson's syndrome, an abnormal electroencephalogram and fasciculations was considered for brain biopsy for suspected Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. Complete clinical recovery followed discontinuation of lithium and nortriptyline. Awareness of this unusual drug-induced Creutzfeldt-Jakob like syndrome can avoid costly, invasive and unnecessary investigative procedures.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, Hahnemann University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
authors.forename: P F
authors.initials: PF
authors.lastname: Finelli
mesh_terms: D007562:Creutzfeldt-Jakob Syndrome / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis; D003704:Dementia / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000175:diagnosis; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004569:Electroencephalography / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D008094:Lithium / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D009661:Nortriptyline / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D008094:Lithium; D009661:Nortriptyline