Diagnostic and interventional radiology : official journal of the Turkish Society of Radiology
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Diagn Interv Radiol · Jun 2010
Case ReportsErgotamine-induced lower extremity arterial vasospasm presenting as acute limb ischemia.
Ergotamine-induced limb ischemia is rare and usually results from an accidental overdose. Several agents, including erythromycin and tetracycline, raise serum ergotamine levels and augment its effect. ⋯ The patient was successfully treated with low molecular heparin and epidural infusion of bupivacain. Since ergot vasospasm is a self limited and medically treatable condition, interventional radiologists must be aware of ergotamine-induced acute limb ischemia to avoid any unnecessary interventional procedures, unless necrosis and gangrene are imminent.