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Mitral valve disease associated with long-term ergotamine use
S M Austin1, A el-Hayek, M Comianos
1Department of Internal Medicine, St Elizabeth Hospital Medical Center, Youngstown, Ohio 44501-1790.
Southern Medical Journal
|October 1, 1993
Summary
Chronic ergotamine tartrate abuse can lead to severe heart valve disease and arterial occlusive disease. This case highlights the significant cardiovascular risks associated with long-term ergotamine use.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Vascular Medicine
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Congestive heart failure and intermittent claudication are serious cardiovascular conditions.
- Ergotamine tartrate is a medication historically used for migraines.
- Chronic toxicity from ergotamine tartrate is rarely associated with valvular heart disease.
Observation:
- A 43-year-old woman presented with symptoms of congestive heart failure and intermittent claudication.
- She had a 20-year history of chronic ergotamine tartrate abuse for migraines.
- Imaging revealed moderately severe mitral stenosis and regurgitation, and severe bilateral arterial occlusive disease.
Findings:
- The patient exhibited significant valvular heart disease (mitral stenosis and regurgitation).
- Severe peripheral arterial occlusive disease affecting both upper and lower extremities was diagnosed.
- These findings are linked to chronic ergotamine tartrate toxicity.
Implications:
- This case underscores the potential for ergotamine tartrate toxicity to cause severe valvular heart disease.
- It emphasizes the importance of considering medication history, including substance abuse, in cardiovascular diagnoses.
- Further research may be warranted to elucidate the mechanisms and prevalence of ergotamine-induced cardiovascular complications.