Acquired Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (Iatrogenic)

Acquired Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (Iatrogenic)

Article
Brain & Nerve
Behavioral & Mental Health
+1
Contributed byKrish Tangella MD, MBAMar 25, 2018

The topic Acquired Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (Iatrogenic) you are seeking is a synonym, or alternative name, or is closely related to the medical condition Iatrogenic Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (iCJD).

Quick Summary:

  • Iatrogenic Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (iCJD) is a rare, progressive degenerative disease of the brain that occurs following infection with certain protein types, called prions
  • These prions may be acquired from an individual, who has or has had any type of CJD, by coming into contact with certain bodily fluids or tissues, either through direct contact or via contaminated medical supplies
  • Prions are infectious pathogens, but are very different from other pathogens, such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi. They are unusual, because they lack both DNA and RNA molecules. Instead, prions are normal cellular proteins that take on an abnormal configuration
  • Prions are able to multiply by converting similar normal proteins in the brain into infectious abnormal forms, ultimately leading to the destruction of brain tissue. As a result, individuals with CJD develop dementia, involuntary muscle jerks (myoclonus), loss of motor coordination, and psychiatric symptoms
  • Iatrogenic Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease develops as a result of acquiring rogue prion proteins during or after a medical procedure
  • There is no cure for iCJD and the treatment provided is often symptomatic. The prognosis of Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease is poor

Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease is also known as subacute or transmissible spongiform encephalopathy. Several types of CJD exist. All types involve an abnormal form of a naturally-occurring protein in the central nervous system.

  • Sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (sCJD) is the most common form of the disorder and accounts for approximately 85% of all cases
  • Familial Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (fCJD) is an inherited form caused by genetic mutations on chromosome 20
  • Iatrogenic Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (iCJD) is an unintended consequence of medical therapy
  • New Variant (or Variant) Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (nvCJD or vCJD) is due to the consumption of contaminated beef from cattle affected by a similar disease, called bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE)

Please find comprehensive information on Iatrogenic Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (iCJD) regarding definition, distribution, risk factors, causes, signs & symptoms, diagnosis, complications, treatment, prevention, prognosis, and additional useful information HERE.

Was this article helpful

On the Article

Krish Tangella MD, MBA picture
Approved by

Krish Tangella MD, MBA

Pathology, Medical Editorial Board, DoveMed Team

0 Comments

Please log in to post a comment.

Related Articles

Test Your Knowledge

Asked by users

Related Centers

Loading

Related Specialties

Loading card

Related Physicians

Related Procedures

Related Resources

Join DoveHubs

and connect with fellow professionals

Related Directories

Who we are

At DoveMed, our utmost priority is your well-being. We are an online medical resource dedicated to providing you with accurate and up-to-date information on a wide range of medical topics. But we're more than just an information hub - we genuinely care about your health journey. That's why we offer a variety of products tailored for both healthcare consumers and professionals, because we believe in empowering everyone involved in the care process.
Our mission is to create a user-friendly healthcare technology portal that helps you make better decisions about your overall health and well-being. We understand that navigating the complexities of healthcare can be overwhelming, so we strive to be a reliable and compassionate companion on your path to wellness.
As an impartial and trusted online resource, we connect healthcare seekers, physicians, and hospitals in a marketplace that promotes a higher quality, easy-to-use healthcare experience. You can trust that our content is unbiased and impartial, as it is trusted by physicians, researchers, and university professors around the globe. Importantly, we are not influenced or owned by any pharmaceutical, medical, or media companies. At DoveMed, we are a group of passionate individuals who deeply care about improving health and wellness for people everywhere. Your well-being is at the heart of everything we do.

© 2023 DoveMed. All rights reserved. It is not the intention of DoveMed to provide specific medical advice. DoveMed urges its users to consult a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and answers to their personal medical questions. Always call 911 (or your local emergency number) if you have a medical emergency!