title: [Ergotism and ischemia of the limbs].
abstract: Clinical ergotism as seen today results almost exclusively from the intake of ergotamine tartrate in the treatment of migraine headache. Vasospasm of peripheral arteries is the leading clinical picture. Besides the formation of collaterals and a secondary thrombosis, the vasospasm is one of the specific findings in arteriography. Early diagnosis and withdrawal of the medication makes complete restitution possible. In all other cases intraarterial or intravenous infusion of sodium nitroprusside has turned out to be the most effective therapy. Balloon dilatation or operative intervention are an alternative therapy in those cases, where amputation of the limbs seems to be necessary.
authors.affiliation: Service de Chirurgie, Université de Cologna.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Schmidt
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Erasmi
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Walter
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Wolf
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Gross-Fengels
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D004881:Ergotism / Q000150:complications* / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007511:Ischemia / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D007866:Leg / Q000098:blood supply*; D008875:Middle Aged
vernacular_title: Ergotisme et ischémie des membres.