Related Experiment Videos
Severe reversible arterial spasm with ergotamine
J A Paraskevopoulos1, D E Teasdale, R J Cuschieri
1Department of Surgery, Doncaster Royal Infirmary, Doncaster.
The British Journal of Clinical Practice
|July 1, 1995
Summary
Excessive ergotamine tartrate caused severe arterial spasm and left foot ischemia. Treatment with heparin and chemical sympathectomy successfully resolved the condition.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Medicine
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Ergotamine tartrate is a medication used for migraines.
- Overuse can lead to serious vascular complications.
Observation:
- A patient presented with unilateral arterial spasm and severe left foot ischemia.
- Symptoms were linked to excessive ergotamine tartrate use.
Findings:
- Intravenous heparin infusion was initiated.
- Chemical sympathectomy was performed as a subsequent treatment.
Implications:
- This case highlights the risks of ergotamine tartrate overuse.
- Successful treatment demonstrates the efficacy of heparin and sympathectomy for ergotamine-induced ischemia.