ERGOTISM.

A Case report of unilateral brachial artery stenosis with thrombosis as a result of ergotamine toxicity is presented. The etiology, mechanism of vascular injury, diagnostic principle and therapy of ergotism are discussed. Ergot poisoning occurred in epidemic form in the Middle Ages as a result of fungal contamination of rye. Recently reported cases of ergotism have been iatrogenic. Migraine sufferers have a relative immunity to the side effects of ergotamine, and the use of dihydrogenated compounds in the treatment of migraine has reduced the toxicity even further in this form of therapy. Consequently, it is rarely reported in the literature. In reporting such a case this paper perhaps goes further calling attention again to the subject of drug induced angiitis. Recent reports incriminate similar features with Methysergide and drug abuses, notably, Methamphetamine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]