Recognition and treatment of arterial insufficiency from cafergot

Cafergot is a combination of ergotamine tartrate and caffeine and may cause symptoms of peripheral vascular insufficiency. Iatrogenic ergotism should be suspected in any patient exhibiting ischemic symptoms while receiving this medication. Progression to fulminant necrosis and gangrene can occur. Two cases are presented and the management reviewed. This effect of ergotamine tartrate and caffeine may be an idiosyncratic hypersensitivity reaction with therapeutic doses or may result from excessive medication. Iatrogenic ergotism occurs most often in women in their mid-thirties with migraine syndrome. By alpha-adrenergic agonism, as well as by possible interactions with prostaglandins, calcium, and serotonin, ergotamine causes vasoconstriction of both arteries and veins. The angiographic pattern of spasm, collateral formation, and intravascular thrombi is typical. Treatment of ergotism depends on the severity of the symptoms and the possibility of gangrene. Discontinuation of ergotamine, cigarette smoking, and caffeine may be all that is necessary in most patients. Nitroprusside is the drug of choice in the treatment of acute vascular insufficiency from ergotism, but in a less urgent situation, prazosin has also been effective. Intra-arterial balloon dilatation has also been helpful. Other forms of therapy have been supportive and the results inconsistent. Cafergot should be used with extreme caution in patients with renal or hepatic failure, peripheral vascular disease, or pregnancy. Relative contraindications include hypertension, ischemic heart disease, and Raynaud's phenomenon.