Ergotamine poisoning producing renal arterial spasm

Ergotism: Case Report and Review of the Literature

A case of ergotism is presented to illustrate the role of duplex ultrasonography in the diagnosis and management of this nonatherosclerotic cause of peripheral arterial disease. Historical aspects of ergotism are discussed together with reference to the relative vulnerability of different segments of the arterial circulation. Our case emphasizes the potential for complete reversibility of the vascular changes if recognized early.

Uncommon arteriopathies: what the vascular surgeon needs to know

Uncommon arteriopathies encompass a diverse range of diseases, including inherited collagen vascular disorders such as Marfan syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos Type IV, and pseudoxanthoma elasticum; vasculitides, including Takayasu's arteritis, extracranial giant cell arteritis, and Behçet's disease; neurofibromatosis type 1; intimal fibromuscular dysplasia; unusual bacterial and viral infections; and drug-induced arteriopathies. Patients with uncommon arterial disorders may present to the vascular surgeon with common surgical problems, including intermittent claudication, renovascular hypertension, Raynaud's phenomenon, and aneurysmal disease. However, the disease manifestations, expected course, and outcomes may be much different than more common arterial disorders and this can have important surgical implications. This review centers around several interesting cases and the differential diagnoses that should be considered when encountering an unusual clinical presentation. Reference is made to the literature for diagnostic criteria, clinical pearls, and how to avoid pitfalls in the evaluation and management of patients with unusual arteriopathies.

St. Anthony's fire (ergotamine induced leg ischemia)--a case report and review of the literature

Ergotism, once an epidemic disease, is now a rare disorder. The most common manifestation is acute peripheral ischemia due to vasospasm, with an incidence of 0.001%. We report a case of a middle-age woman who presented with ergotamine-induced leg ischemia, due to chronic use of ergotamine-containing medications for migraine headaches. The diagnosis was confirmed with arteriography results, and she responded well to vasodilator therapy. The pharmacology, clinical presentation, diagnostic approach, and therapy of ergotism are reviewed.

Acute upper extremity ischemia during concomitant use of ergotamine tartrate and ampicillin

Individual hypersensitivity to the vasoconstrictor effects of ergotamine tartrate has been observed even at doses within recommended limits. Hypersensitivity can be induced by concomitant use with other drugs. The best-documented example of drug-induced hypersensitivity to ergotamine tartrate involves antibiotics of the macrolides class. The mechanism underlying this interaction appears to be interference with metabolism of ergotamine tartrate by the liver. In the present report we describe a case of upper extremity ischemia during concomitant use of ergotamine tartrate and ampicillin. The fact that the effect was not dose-dependent, disappeared when administration of ampicillin was discontinued, and reappeared when administration of ampicillin was resumed suggests that the underlying mechanism in our patient was immunologic. Since immunologic hypersensitivity to the vasoconstrictor effects of ergotamine tartrate is unpredictable, great caution and close surveillance is advisable when ergotamine tartrate is used in association with other drugs.

Gangrene and renal failure caused by dihydroergotamine used to treat raised intracranial pressure following head trauma

A case of peripheral gangrene and renal failure following the use of dihydroergotamine (DHE) for treatment of raised intracranial pressure (ICP) is reported. There have been several reports of vasospasm and peripheral gangrene caused by DHE used in combination with heparin for prevention of deep venous thrombosis. Clinical experience with the use of DHE in head trauma is limited. This case report emphasises the seriousness of the adverse effects associated with the use of this drug.

Ergotamine-induced fetal stress: review of side effects of ergot alkaloids during pregnancy

A case of sudden fetal stress after accidental administration of ergotamine tartrate (2 mg) suppository is reported. Caesarean section was performed because of unexplained fetal stress. In retrospect, we conclude that it is likely that sudden fetal stress was caused by the severe vasoconstrictive effect of ergotamine. The side effects of ergot derivatives during pregnancy are discussed.

Erythromycin-associated ergotamine intoxication: arteriographic and electrophysiologic analysis of a rare cause of severe ischemia of the lower extremities and associated ischemic neuropathy

Vasospasm associated with ergotamine is a well-known phenomenon. In this case report we present a rare drug interaction between erythromycin and ergotamine at normal doses causing lower extremity ischemia in a 36-year-old woman. Nitroprusside proved to be the treatment of choice. The response was dramatic and took place in a matter of hours in this patient. Ischemic monomelic neuropathy is a recently described entity in which axonal necrosis is caused by a loss of distal extremity blood flow. The association between erythromycin and ergotamine may be a dangerous pharmacologic combination; drugs that have a hepatic cycle with ergotamine derivatives must be used with caution.

Saint Anthony's fire revisited. Vascular problems associated with migraine medication

Ergotamine and related compounds have been used for many years in the management of migraine. This review highlights the potential for toxic effects upon the arterial system which may arise from the use of ergot medications. Data on four female patients aged from 30 to 49 years were collected retrospectively from in-patient records and out-patient follow-up between 1978 and 1990. All four patients presented with the symptoms and signs of arterial obstruction and all had been prescribed ergot preparations as treatment and prophylaxis of migraine, for periods ranging from three to 12 years. Two patients had an acute arterial obstruction that resolved completely when the migraine medication was withdrawn. Two had chronic obstructions and radiological and surgical examination gave evidence of arterial stenosis. These two patients were treated with bypass surgery. Review of the literature indicated that other authors had described similar cases but without specifying the methods of data collection. This report supports the findings of others regarding the toxic effects of ergot preparations upon the arterial system, which may take the form of chronic or acute obstruction. General practitioners and physicians should be aware of the possible complications arising from prolonged or excessive use of ergot medications.

[Prevention of thromboembolism in accident surgery--angiospastic complications with DHE-heparin. A multicenter study]

In immobilized patients different drugs are used for thromboembolism prophylaxis. Arterial vasospastic complications have recently been reported after Heparin-DHE. In our clinical observation five of these cases were treated. A multicenter study was performed in 82 Austrian trauma units investigating the incidence and outcome of complications of Heparin DHE prophylaxis. 147,290 patients had different drugs for thromboembolism prophylaxis. 61,092 got Heparin-DHE. Complications could be observed at 142 patients but only in the group receiving Heparin DHE. 135 cases were treated conservatively (amputation of limbs became necessary in seven patients). In seven other cases immediate operative exposure of the vessels and balloon catheter dilatation was successfully performed. Vasospasm occurred only in patients with Heparin DHE prophylaxis. It is important to realize this possibility, so that early therapeutic measurements can be taken to avoid unnecessary permanent ischaemic damages and limb amputation.

Rapid reversal of ergotamine-induced vasospasm

Peripheral ischemia, secondary to ergotamine tartrate and caffeine suppositories is reported in a 48-year-old female. Lower extremity pre-gangrenous changes were unresponsive to surgical sympathectomy, calcium channel blockade, intra-arterial vasodilators and systemic anticoagulation. A dramatic clinical and radiological reversal of the vasospasm was obtained with intravenous sodium nitroprusside when surgical amputation appeared inevitable.

Ergotamine abuse and extra-hepatic portal hypertension

Arterial complications following ergotamine therapy have been well recognized since the beginning of this century. Venous complications, however, have only rarely been reported. A 48 year old Nigerian woman developed extra-hepatic portal hypertension coincident with a chronic overdosage of ergotamine. The literature elucidating the possible mechanisms involved is reviewed.

Cardiac arrest after reversal of effects of opiates with naloxone

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Lower extremity ischemia due to combined drug therapy for migraine

Three days after initiation of migraine headache therapy with ergotamine tartrate and propranolol, severe acute arterial insufficiency of the lower extremities developed in a 48-year-old woman who had been in general good health. Angiography revealed hypoplastic aortoiliac arteries, with tubular narrowing of the leg arteries. Lower extremity blood pressures rapidly returned to normal with a single intraarterial injection of 25 mg of tolazoline. Cases of peripheral ischemia due to either ergotamine or propranolol have been reported. Combined use of these two drugs may enhance the risk of acute arterial compromise.

Reversible arteriopathy following an ergotamine overdose in a heavy smoker

A case of reversible arteriopathy developing in a heavy cigarette smoker taking an overdose of ergotamine is reported. Characteristic radiological changes are illustrated and the aetiology and management of this condition are discussed.

Successful treatment of ergotamine poisoning with sodium nitroprusside

A case of ergotamine overdosage which produced vascular insufficiency in a 26-year-old female is described. She was treated successfully with the intravenous infusions of sodium nitroprusside and low molecular weight dextran, and anticoagulation with heparin. It is suggested that sodium nitroprusside may represent the drug of first choice in this condition.

Saint Anthony's fire or carpal tunnel syndrome? (a case of iatrogenic ergotism)

A case of unilateral upper limb ischaemia from ergot overdosage is presented. An unusual feature was a median nerve neuropathy suggestive of carpal tunnel syndrome. The arteriographic appearances are demonstrated and management discussed.

Myocardial ischaemia in migraine sufferers taking ergotamine

Two cases of acute myocardial ischaemia precipitated by oral ergotamine therapy for migraine are described from patients with no previous history of ischaemic heart disease. The relevant literature is briefly reviewed.

Cerebral manifestations of ergotism. Report of a case and review of the literature

A patient with diffuse and focal cerebral dysfunction was found to have absent peripheral pulses. Cerbral angiography revealed evidence of an arteritis with bilateral high grade carotid stenosis. When there was no laboratory confirmation of the arteritis, an iatrogenic etiology (ergotism) was suspected. This was later confirmed by the patient. The pertinent literature on ergotism is reviewed, and it is emphasized that ergotism may develop in patients on therapeutic doses of the drug.

Ergot-induced vasospasm of the lower extremities treated with epidural anaesthesia

No reliable treatment to reverse severe ergot-induced vasopasm is available. A case of ergotamine-induced vasospasm of the lower extremities is presented. A combined treatment of vasodilators, infusion of low molecular dextran and high epidural anaesthesia apparently prevented extremity gangrene from occurring.

Ergot intoxication: historical review and description of unusual clinical manifestations

Clinical ergotism as seen today results almost exclusively from the excessive intake of ergotamine tartrate in the treatment of migraine headache. Although both gangrenous and convulsive symptoms are seen in naturally occurring ergotism resulting from the ingestion of fungus infected rye, only gangrenous ergotism has been reported following the excessive ingestion of ergotamine tartrate. The symptoms of both iatrogenic and naturally occurring ergotism appear to result from regional ischemia caused by ergot induced vasospasm. This report discribes experiences in the diagnosis and management of two patients with unusual manifestations of iatrogenic ergotism. One patient presented with ischemia of all extremities and bilateral foot drop probably due to ischemic damage to the common peroneal nerves, a finding not previously described in ergot intoxication. The foot drop totally resolved in several months following the discontinuation of ergot. A second patient presented with unilateral leg ischemia and transient monocular blindness, both of which resolved after discontinuation of ergot. Both patients displayed typical angiographic findings of ergotism. There is no convincing evidence that any treatment other than discontinuation of ergotamine is of benefit in the treatment of iatrogenic ergotism.