Angina pectoris and sudden death in the absence of atherosclerosis following ergotamine therapy for migraine

Abstract

In a woman with migraine headaches, angina-like symptoms developed and sudden death occurred following the administration of therapeutic doses of ergotamine. The lack of atherosclerosis at autopsy suggested coronary vasospasm as a possible mechanism for her death. The ergot alkaloids, which are widely used in the treatment of migraine, are potent vasoconstrictors. We report here the development of angina-like symptoms and sudden death in a woman given therapeutic doses of ergotamine for migraine. At autopsy, no coronary atherosclerosis was found.