Pseudoaneurysm of the Superior Mesenteric Artery Secondary to Ergot Therapy

Abstract

Ergotism is a relatively rare, but well described, arterial disease affecting primarily the lower extremities, although involvement of other arteries have been reported. The authors describe a case of a 50-year-old pharmacist who self-treated his migraine headaches with ergot preparations and developed abdominal pain. Evaluation of the patient with arteriography revealed a pseudoaneurysm and segmental branch stenoses of the superior mesenteric artery. Surgical exploration discovered a spontaneous dissection of the SMA treated with aorto-SMA bypass. This case, and a review of the literature, is presented.