[Based on the incidence of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease in the Lanzarote healthcare area. Description of two definitive cases]. / A propósito de la incidencia de la enfermedad de Creutzfeldt-Jakob en el área de salud de Lanzarote. Descripción de dos casos definitivos.

We present two cases who have been diagnosed of definitive Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease in the health area of Lanzarote in the period January 2002 to January 2004. The two cases are presented with clinical description, complementary tests -- including electroencephalogram, 14-3-3 protein determination -- study of the prionic protein gene, and histopathologic findings. In this article, we try to show the importance of trying to reach a definitive diagnosis with the histopathologic study once there is clinical suspicion (a diagnosis that is probable or possible). In addition our cases show that communication between the clinical and the epidemiological coordinator of the regional community and the National Center of Epidemiology is very important. We refer to the clear growth in the incidence of the disease in the population of Lanzarote in the period above mentioned. Finally, we discuss whether this growth is or is not an isolated event.

A propósito de la incidencia de la enfermedad de Creutzfeldt-Jakob en el área de salud de Lanzarote: descripción de dos casos definitivos / Based on the incidence of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease in the Lanzarote healthcare area: description of two definitive cases

Presentamos dos casos de enfermedad de Creutzfeldt-Jakob definitivo que han sido diagnosticados en el área de salud de Lanzarote durante el período de tiempo que comprende desde enero de 2002 a enero de 2004. Los dos casos se presentan con descripción clínica, de pruebas complementarias, incluido electroencefalografía, proteína 14-3-3 en líquido cefalorraquídeo, estudio del gen de la proteína priónica e histopatológico. En este artículo se intenta reflejar la importancia que tiene el hecho de, ante la sospecha clínica (diagnóstico posible y probable), poner los medios adecuados para intentar un diagnóstico definitivo mediante el estudio histopatológico. Se pone de manifiesto también la importancia de la comunicación con el coordinador clínico y epidemiológico de la comunidad autónoma, y de éstos con el Centro Nacional de Epidemiología. Se hace referencia al claro aumento de la incidencia de la enfermedad para la población de dicha área de salud en este período de tiempo. Al final planteamos una reflexión sobre si este aumento es o no un hecho aislado

We present two cases who have been diagnosed of definitive Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease in the health area of Lanzarote in the period January 2002 to January 2004. The two cases are presented with clinical description, complementary tests - including electroencephalogram, 14-3-3 protein determination - study of the prionic protein gene, and histopathologic findings. In this article, we try to show the importance of trying to reach a definitive diagnosis with the histopathologic study once there is clinical suspicion (a diagnosis that is probable or possible). In addition our cases show that communication between the clinical and the epidemiological coordinator of the regional community and the National Center of Epidemiology is very important. We refer to the clear growth in the incidence of the disease in the population of Lanzarote in the period above mentioned. Finally, we discuss whether this growth is or is not an isolated event