Magnetic resonance imaging may be an asset to diagnose and classify fluoroquinolone-associated Achilles tendinitis

Fundam Clin Pharmacol. 1995;9(1):52-6. doi: 10.1111/j.1472-8206.1995.tb00265.x.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to document the accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) during fluoroquinolone-associated Achilles tendinitis. Fourteen Achilles tendons were examined by MRI (T1 and T2 or T2*-weighted sequences) in nine patients with typical tendinopathy (13 cases of tendinitis and 1 rupture) during fluoroquinolone therapy. Tendinous involvement was classified according to the prominence of intra- or peritendinous changes. The most typical feature was the presence of intratendinous changes, longitudinal or transversal, detected on T1 or T2-weighted sequences. Peritendinitis was most visible in two cases and nodular involvement in three cases. It was concluded that MRI appears a helpful and accurate method in identifying and classifying such iatrogenic tendinitis. In addition, MRI indicates orthopedic management when detecting risk of rupture.

MeSH terms

  • Achilles Tendon / drug effects*
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Anti-Infective Agents / adverse effects*
  • Female
  • Fluoroquinolones
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Tendinopathy / chemically induced
  • Tendinopathy / classification
  • Tendinopathy / diagnosis*

Substances

  • Anti-Infective Agents
  • Fluoroquinolones