title: Abnormal diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging in Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease following corneal transplantations.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The value of magnetic resonance imaging of the brain in the diagnosis of iatrogenic cases of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease has been questioned.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To illustrate the value of magnetic resonance imaging of the brain in the diagnosis of iatrogenic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease.
  
  
  METHODS
  Case report.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A patient with a history of 3 corneal transplantations exhibited the alien hand sign on initial examination. Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging of the brain revealed prominent cortical diffusion abnormalities. During the following months, the patient developed rapidly progressive dementia. The diagnosis of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease was proven by brain biopsy.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Brain magnetic resonance imaging, particularly diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging, can be very helpful in the diagnosis of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, even in suspected iatrogenic cases.
authors.affiliation: University of Miami School of Medicine D4-5, PO Box 016960, Miami, FL 33101, USA. alerabas@yahoo.com
authors.forename: Alejandro A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Rabinstein
authors.forename: Michelle L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Whiteman
authors.forename: Robert T
authors.initials: RT
authors.lastname: Shebert
mesh_terms: D001921:Brain / Q000473:pathology*; D016039:Corneal Transplantation; D007562:Creutzfeldt-Jakob Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests