Prostaglandin E1 for alleviating symptoms of ergot intoxication: a case report

A woman was admitted after ergotamine tartrate overuse for migraine headaches and her symptoms of arterial vasospasm were treated with PGE1, the first reported use of the vasodilator for ergot intoxication. The advantages of producing local vasodilatation without systemic effect, as well as inhibiting the formation of arterial microthrombi, suggest PGE1 as the agent of choice for relief of symptoms due to peripheral vasoconstriction caused by ergot. Treatment with PGE1 may allow sufficient collateral to preserve limb function and integrity, while awaiting remission of anatomic changes after withdrawal of ergot.