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Ergotamine-induced vasospasm as a cause of acute upper limb ischemia
Ergotamine-induced vasospasm as a cause of acute upper limb ischemia
Karla Marcial-Martínez 1 
, Juan P. Hernández-Santillán 1 , Stefany González-De Leo 1
1 Servicio de Angiología, Cirugía Vascular y Endovascular, Centro Médico ABC, Ciudad de México, México
*Correspondence: Stefany González-De Leo. Email: abc.consultorio508@gmail.com
Abstract
Ergotamine is an alkaloid derived from ergot, used in the treatment of migraine due to its vasoconstrictive effect. This mechanism may trigger severe arterial vasospasm (ergotism), resulting in peripheral ischemia. We report a case of acute upper limb ischemia secondary to ergotamine use, emphasizing clinical and imaging findings, as well as the diagnostic and therapeutic approach. Although infrequent, it can be serious, so early recognition and prompt discontinuation of the drug are essential to prevent irreversible damage. This case emphasizes the importance of considering this etiology in the differential diagnosis of acute limb ischemia.
Keywords: Acute ischemia. Ergotism. Ergotamine. Migraine.
