Pergolide-Associated Valvular Heart Disease

Abstract

Pergolide is an ergot derivative dopamine agonist used in the treatment of Parkinson's disease and restless legs syndrome. Ergot derivatives are known to be associated with fibrotic conditions, including a carcinoid-like, fibrotic, valvular heart disease (VHD). Recently, pergolide was identified in association with the development of VHD. This article includes a summary of the literature published on pergolide-associated VHD, a description of the potential mechanisms of drug-induced VHD, and the clinical implications for the management of patients taking pergolide.