ERGOTAMIN-INDUCED RECTAL STENOSIS IN A PA TIENT WITH MIGRAINE OVER MANY YEARS

A 36 year old woman was admitted to our hospital for treatment of a hi ghgrade rectal stenosis of unknown origin. She had a history of migrai ne going back 10 years. On intensive questioning she admitted using up to 5 ergotamine-containing suppositories a day. On the basis of histo ry and clinical investigations the rectal stenosis must be connected w ith the abuse of ergotamine-containing suppositories, This case demons trates that patients with an unexplained rectal syndrome should be ask ed for analgetics-containing suppositories specificly. Only discontinu ation of treatment in time can preserve the patient from development o f a rectal stenosis. In case of a rectal stenosis surgical treatment c an be avoided by means of endoscopic controlled dilatation.