Gerstmann-Sträussler-Scheinker syndrome masquerading as multiple sclerosis

J Neurol Sci. 2011 Oct 15;309(1-2):55-7. doi: 10.1016/j.jns.2011.07.028. Epub 2011 Aug 11.

Abstract

Gerstmann-Sträussler-Scheinker syndrome (GSS) is a rare degenerative disorder of the central nervous system that belongs to the family of human spongiform encephalopathies, or prion diseases. GSS is almost always inherited and mostly carried in an autosomal dominant pattern. Nevertheless, GSS is genetically and phenotypically heterogeneous; among the different prion diseases GSS has the longest clinical course thereby has the potential to mimic the clinical course of different neurological disorders. Here, we report of a patient with a progressive ataxic syndrome, with MRI and CSF findings suggestive of a demyelinating-inflammatory process as multiple sclerosis and the cues that prompted to a final diagnosis of GSS.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Gerstmann-Straussler-Scheinker Disease / diagnosis*
  • Gerstmann-Straussler-Scheinker Disease / genetics*
  • Humans
  • Multiple Sclerosis / diagnosis*
  • Multiple Sclerosis / genetics*