Aortic Obstruction Associated With Methysergide Maleate Therapy for Headaches

Abstract

Methysergide meleate and members of the ergot family have been associated with fibrous changes and obstruction in larger arteries. Severe aortic- and iliac-artery obstruction occurred in a patient maintained on prolonged and uncontrolled methysergide therapy for headaches. Prompt and complete reversibility of the obstructive changes was shown by aortograms and vascular studies done during the period of obstruction and two months after discontinuation of the therapy. Biopsy done at laparotomy confirmed the retroperitoneal fibrosis.