A 57-year old man with uncontrolled diabetes presented with features suggestive of chronic meningitis. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis revealed a polymorphonuclear pleocytosis with low glucose and high protein levels in the CSF. Bacterial and fungal cultures and tests for M. tuberculosis were negative. MRI spine showed leptomeningeal enhancement. On ruling out other causes, fungal meningitis was considered. The patient developed paraparesis in the hospital. MRI showed peripherally enhancing subdural lesion with dorsal cord involvement at the level of D4 and D5 vertebrae. On laminectomy and exploration, an intradural extramedullary abscess and a granuloma were noticed at T4--T5 spinal levels causing compression of the cord below. Histopathological examination of the lesions revealed acute on chronic inflammatory infiltrates interspersed by broad, aseptate, ribbon-like fungal elements highlighted by PAS stain, diagnostic of mucormycosis. Intravenous amphotericin B and oral posaconazole were administered for more than 8 weeks. On follow-up, he had complete neurological recovery without sequelae.
Keywords: Fungal meningitis; mucormycosis; spinal abscess.