Table of Contents
Washington University Experience | PRION DISEASES | Prion Diseases | 25A0 Case 25 History
Case 25 History ---- The patient was a 63 year old female who underwent a cholecystectomy in 12/85 and developed a progressively staggering gait and inability to walk. The patient's mental health was reportedly normal prior to the cholecystectomy with the exception of several episodes of depression. Following the cholecystectomy she had difficulty walking and needed to hold on to things to maintain her balance. She also had frequent crying spells and a decreased interest in daily activities. The patient also experienced a progressive decrease in memory and ability to retain for more than a few moments. Her mental status declined to the extent that two weeks prior to her June admission she was periodically unable to recognize family members. A workup was exhaustive; however, no premortem diagnosis was made and she died in November 1986.
