Ergotamine-induced acute vascular insufficiency of the lower limb--a case report.
Ergotamine-containing drugs are widely used in the treatment of acute migraine attacks. Spastic vasoconstriction is one of the possible side effects usually affecting the lower extremities and sometimes leading to gangrene. A 28-year-old woman was hospitalized for severe acute arterial insufficiency of the limbs. The initial surgical approach was not successful since the diagnosis was missed. Overuse of ergotamine derivative was acknowledged by the patient, who had a long history of migraine headaches. Therefore, the patient was treated conservatively with intravenous heparin and prostaglandin infusion and sympatheticolysis via epidural catheter. The vascular complications, angiographic findings, and different modalities of treatment of ergotamine-induced peripheral vascular insufficiency of the lower limb are reviewed.
Department of Surgery, University Hospital of Magdeburg, Otto von Guericke University, Germany. Zuhir.Halloul@Medizin.Uni-Magdeburg.DE
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Z
Halloul
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Meyer
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H
Lippert
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T
Buerger
D000208:Acute Disease; D000328:Adult; D018712:Analgesics, Non-Narcotic / Q000009:adverse effects*; D015901:Angiography, Digital Subtraction; D001157:Arterial Occlusive Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004878:Ergotamine / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D005263:Femoral Artery / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006801:Humans; D007866:Leg / Q000098:blood supply*; D020325:Migraine with Aura / Q000188:drug therapy
D018712:Analgesics, Non-Narcotic; D004878:Ergotamine