The patient went on to have a number of diagnostic tests. 

CSF

• Smears contain occasional lymphocytes, monocytes and red blood cells.
• No malignant cells identified.
• CJD Protein (14-3-3): POSITIVE
  • COMMENT: The 14-3-3 protein is a non-specific marker of central nervous system neuronal injury or death. Based on international experience in carefully selected patients, a positive result has approximately 90% sensitivity and specificity for sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jacob disease. "False" positives are frequently recognized in encephalitis (especially Herpes simplex) & recent cerebral infarcts.
  • Based on 120 definite (pathologically proven) sporadic patients, total CSF protein >1.0g/L is rarely seen (<1%) in uncomplicated CJD, while total CSF white cell count is never >10 cells/uL.

Blood tests

• Ceruloplasmin 0.2 g/L (normal: 0.20-0.60)
• Vit B12 394 pmol/L (normal: 140-650)
• Ser Fol 24.5 nmol/L (normal: >7.0)
• HIV-1/2 Ag/Ab Combo by Architect: Negative
• Syphilis-TP (by Architect) : Not Detected

Discussion

Typical radiology with supportive CJD protein in CSF and lack of other explanatory abnormalities confirms the diagnosis of Creutzfelt-Jakob disease.