Parkinsonism secondary to bilateral striatal fungal abscesses

Abstract

A 24-year-old man with an 11-year history of i.v. drug use rapidly developed parkinsonism clinically indistinguishable from MPTP toxicity and Parkinson's disease. Although tests were negative for the human immunodeficiency virus, radiologic evaluation revealed bilateral striatal lesions. Stereotactic biopsy demonstrated septate hyphae consistent with either aspergillosis or mucormycosis. Gradual improvement followed systemic therapy with amphotericin B.