Ergotism: A Change of Persepective

Clinical ergotism is a rare disorder, and clinical and therapeutic implications have continued to attract attention. The Holy Fire or St. Anthony’s Fire was the primary vascular manifestation, causing burning pain and gangrene in the feet and hands related to the arterial spasm properties of ergot.The chronic use of ergotamine and migraine has also been associated with ergotism. Severe vasospasm and acute peripheral ischemia of the extremities can develop. However, in modern times, the spectrum of poisoning by alkaloids has broadened to include antiviral therapies in patients with HIV and abuse of stimulants.These changes have made taking an accurate medical history and conducting an accurate detailed differential diagnosis more essential. The purpose of this review is to highlight the importance of ergotism as a cause of peripheral vascular ischemia and analyze changes associated with this poisoning.