Chronic Intake of a Hydrogenated Ergot Alkaloid Causing Peripheral Vascular Ischemia—A Case Report

Ergotism is known to cause peripheral vascular ischemia. This case report describes the occurrence of peripheral gangrene in a thirty seven year old woman who had been taking a hydrogenated ergot alkaloid, ergoloid mesylates, 3 x 25 dr./24h, for nine years. Negative results from exhaustive clinical, labora tory and technical investigations and the disappearance of symptoms after with drawal of the drug compel the conclusion that chronic intake of ergoloid mesylates led to the vascular problems presented by the patient. Six months after the second amputation of necrotic toes the patient was painfree and showed no signs of recurring ischemia. The amputation would have healed sat isfactorily.