[Ergotism--a risk in the prevention of thrombosis?].

In a 28 years old female who had undergone osteosynthesis for treating a pilon tibial fracture we postoperatively observed a spasm of the equilateral superficial femoral artery, followed by gangrene of the lower leg. The only therapy which was still possible as a life saving procedure consisted in amputating the lower leg. For prophylactic reasons the woman was postoperatively administered dihydroergotamin in combination with heparin. The author emphasises the fact that patients suffering from chronic liver diseases are particularly endangered by ergotism.