Creutzfeld Jakob Disease: Sensitivity and Specificity

Introduction: None written.

The sensitivity and specificity of findings for Creutzfeld Jakob Disease are listed below. See the left navigation bar to change the display.

Sensitive Findings

Sensitivity = 88%

A high level of 14-3-3 in the CSF is thought to be a marker of neuron damage.

Other studies have found sensitivity as low as 53%. Specificity not assessed in these studies.

Study: Brain. 2006 Sep;129(Pt 9):2278-87. PMID: 16816392

Arch Neurol 2003 Jun;60(6):813-6. PMID 12810484

Poorly Diagnostic Findings

Sensitivity = 58%

Typical findings are periodic sharp wave complexes. Specificity not assessed.

Study: Brain. 2006 Sep;129(Pt 9):2278-87. PMID: 16816392

Sensitivity = 39%

In this study, MRI findings were restricted to increased signal in the basal ganglia. Specificity not assessed.

In general, another typical MRI finding is 'cortical ribboning', namely hyperintensity on DWI in some portions of the cerebral cortex.

Study: Brain. 2006 Sep;129(Pt 9):2278-87. PMID: 16816392