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Ergonovine-induced esophageal spasm in patients with chest pain resembling angina pectoris

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Abstract

We studied the effect of ergonovine maleate (EM) on esophageal motor activity in 18 consecutive patients with angina-like chest pain. Significant coronary artery disease was excluded in each patient by cardiac catheterization studies. Baseline esophageal motility was abnormal in 12 patients (66%). After injection of EM, ten patients developed their typical chest pain at the onset of repetitive contractions. Thus, chest pain and esophageal dysfunction were clearly linked. Compared with saline injection, only the repetitive contractions were significantly increased after EM in these patients (P<0.01). Amplitude and duration of contractions were increased after EM, but not significantly. Due to potentially serious adverse effects, however, EM cannot be recommended for routine use as a provocative agent.

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Author notes

  1. Kenneth L. Koch MD

    Present address: Hershey Medical Center of The Pennsylvania State University, 17033, Hershey, Pennsylvania

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Section of Digestive Disease and Nutrition, Medical Service, Veterans Administration Medical Center, 32602, Gainesville, Florida

    Kenneth L. Koch MD, R. Charles Curry MD, Robert L. Feldman MD, Carl J. Pepine MD, Ann Long RN & John R. Mathias MD

  2. the Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida

    Kenneth L. Koch MD, R. Charles Curry MD, Robert L. Feldman MD, Carl J. Pepine MD, Ann Long RN & John R. Mathias MD

Authors
  1. Kenneth L. Koch MD
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  2. R. Charles Curry MD
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  3. Robert L. Feldman MD
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  4. Carl J. Pepine MD
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  5. Ann Long RN
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  6. John R. Mathias MD
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Supported by the Medical Research Service of the Veterans Administration.

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Koch, K.L., Curry, R.C., Feldman, R.L. et al. Ergonovine-induced esophageal spasm in patients with chest pain resembling angina pectoris. Digest Dis Sci 27, 1073–1080 (1982). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01391443

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01391443

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