[Severe ischemic accidents from ergotism. A report on 3 cases. Value of a new antidote : sodium nitropruside (author's transl)].

The autors describe 3 recent cases of severe ischemic accidents from ergotism affecting different regions. Two of the cases resulted from taking Gynergene (ergotamine tartrate) for a short period, while the other case followed continuous administration of Desernil (Methysergide) for 3 years. The third case was treated at a late stage by continuous peridural anesthesia and various vasodilators without success and led to very severe mutilations in two young women. The third case was treated by continuous infusions of sodium nitropruside (SNP) under hemodynamic control, and recovery was rapid and complete. The value of SNP as an antidote for severe ergotism is discussed, together with its mode of administration, and precautions necessary when prescribing this extremely powerful vasodilator treatment for this indication.