Brain stem mucormycosis in a narcotic addict with eventual recovery

Am J Med. 1986 Jan;80(1):126-8. doi: 10.1016/0002-9343(86)90062-8.

Abstract

In addition to the well-known infectious complications of intravenous narcotic abuse, a much rarer and more recently recognized association between intravenous narcotic addiction and mucormycotic abscesses of the central nervous system has been described. Only four cases have been cited in the literature, with a mortality rate of 100 percent in this group. This report describes a narcotic abuser who presented with obstructive hydrocephalus and a mucormycotic abscess of the brain stem, and recovered. Central nervous system mucormycosis should be included in the differential diagnosis of drug abusers who present with a rapid deterioration in neurologic status.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Amphotericin B / therapeutic use
  • Brain Abscess / etiology*
  • Brain Abscess / therapy
  • Brain Stem
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hydrocephalus / etiology
  • Hydrocephalus / surgery
  • Mucormycosis / etiology*
  • Mucormycosis / therapy
  • Pentazocine
  • Substance-Related Disorders / complications*
  • Tripelennamine

Substances

  • Tripelennamine
  • Amphotericin B
  • Pentazocine