Ergot induced peripheral vascular insufficiency, non-interventional treatment.

We report a case of ergotamine tartrate induced severe vasospasm in the renal arteries and the arteries of the lower extremities. Classic features seen on peripheral angiography make the diagnosis. Anticoagulation, thrombolysis, vasodilation, steroids, and prostaglandin inhibitors all have been successfully used to treat symptomatic ergot induced arterial vasospasm. Although balloon angioplasty of ergot induced vasospasm has been described in case reports, ergot vasospasm is a self limited and medically treatable condition that does not require peripheral mechanical intervention, unless the immediate threat of necrosis and gangrene exists.