Mitral and aortic valve disease associated with ergotamine therapy for migraine. Report of two cases and review of literature

Arch Pathol Lab Med. 1990 Jan;114(1):62-4.

Abstract

Ergotamine has been associated with numerous vascular complications but only rarely with fibrosing disorders or valvular heart disease. Two patients are described in whom severe valvular dysfunction developed during ergotamine therapy for migraine headache. The surgically excised mitral and aortic valves were involved by a proliferative process that was strikingly similar to lesions described in patients with carcinoid heart disease and methysergide-associated valvular disease.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aortic Valve / pathology*
  • Ergotamine / adverse effects*
  • Ergotamine / therapeutic use
  • Female
  • Heart Valve Diseases / chemically induced
  • Heart Valve Diseases / pathology
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Migraine Disorders / drug therapy*
  • Mitral Valve / pathology*

Substances

  • Ergotamine