ISSN: 0022-1198
Page Count: 7

Intravenous Amphetamine Abuse, Primary Cerebral Mucormycosis, and Acquired Immunodeficiency
Wetli, CV
Deputy chief medical examiner, Dade County, FL

Micozzi, MS
senior investigator, National Institutes of Health, MD

(Received 9 April 1984; accepted 3 July 1984)

Abstract

Two intravenous amphetamine abusers had fatal, rapidly progressive cerebral mucormycosis with abscess formation in the presence of absolute lymphopenia. Postmortem examination confirmed the primary nature of the fungal cerebritis, documented by postmortem culture and histology. The clinical and pathologic features of these cases are compared to previously reported occurrences of primary fungal cerebritis (and abscess) among intravenous drug abusers, including cocaine users. Primary fungal cerebritis associated with intravenous abuse of stimulant drugs is discussed as a possible variant of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.

Keywords:
toxicology, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, amphetamine, fungal cerebritis, intravenous drug abuse, mucormycosis

Paper ID: JFS11831J
DOI: 10.1520/JFS11831J
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