05-12-2009, 03:22 PM
A 54-year-old white male presents with gradual onset of mild dementia, ataxic gait, and startle
myoclonus. An MRI scan is normal, and an examination of his cerebrospinal fluid reveals no
abnormalities, but the patient's EEG is remarkable for recurrent bursts of high-voltage slow
waves. Over the next 6 months, the patient's dementia rapidly worsens, accompanied by general
hypertonicity and profound dysarthria. The patient dies shortly thereafter. Which of the
following is the mostly likely neuropathological finding on autopsy?
A. Cerebellar hyperplasia
B. Diffuse spongiform change
C. Multiple lacunar infarcts
D. Negri bodies
E. Neurofibrillary tangles
myoclonus. An MRI scan is normal, and an examination of his cerebrospinal fluid reveals no
abnormalities, but the patient's EEG is remarkable for recurrent bursts of high-voltage slow
waves. Over the next 6 months, the patient's dementia rapidly worsens, accompanied by general
hypertonicity and profound dysarthria. The patient dies shortly thereafter. Which of the
following is the mostly likely neuropathological finding on autopsy?
A. Cerebellar hyperplasia
B. Diffuse spongiform change
C. Multiple lacunar infarcts
D. Negri bodies
E. Neurofibrillary tangles