Table 1.
Typical characteristics of vCJD compared to sporadic CJD
| vCJD | sporadic CJD | |
|---|---|---|
| Mean age at death | 30 years | 65 years |
| Mean duration of the disease | 14 months | 6 months |
| Clinical symptoms at the onset of disease | dysesthesia, behavioral changes | memory disorder, ataxia |
| EEG | non-typical | 66% PSWCs |
| Detection of 14-3-3 protein in cerebrospinal fluid | 50% | 94% |
| Magnetic resonance tomography | hyperintensities in the thalamus, 'pulvinar sign' | hyperintensities in the basal ganglia |
| Codon 129 genotype | MM | MM, MV, VV |
| Lymphatic system | PrPTSE | no PrPTSE |
| Neuropathologic characteristics | 'florid plaques' | variable, no 'florid plaques' |
PSWCs = Periodic sharp and slow wave complexes.