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Ergot induced peripheral vascular insufficiency, non-interventional treatment
T L McKiernan1, K Bock, F Leya
1Department of Medicine, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood 60153.
Catheterization and Cardiovascular Diagnosis
|March 1, 1994
Summary
Ergotamine tartrate can cause severe arterial vasospasm in the kidneys and lower limbs. Medical treatments like anticoagulation and vasodilation are effective, usually avoiding the need for mechanical intervention.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Medicine
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Ergotamine tartrate is a medication used for migraines.
- Vasospasm is a condition where blood vessels constrict, reducing blood flow.
Observation:
- A case of severe vasospasm in renal and lower extremity arteries induced by ergotamine tartrate is presented.
- Peripheral angiography revealed classic diagnostic features.
Findings:
- Medical management, including anticoagulation, thrombolysis, vasodilation, steroids, and prostaglandin inhibitors, successfully treated symptomatic ergot-induced arterial vasospasm.
- While balloon angioplasty has been reported, it is generally not required.
Implications:
- Ergot-induced vasospasm is typically self-limited and medically treatable.
- Peripheral mechanical intervention is reserved for cases with an immediate threat of necrosis or gangrene.