[Achilles tendinopathy in a hemodialysis patient complicated by rupture of the Achilles tendon due to self-medication with ciprofloxacin: about a case].

This study aims to remind clinicians of fluoroquinolone-related tendinopathies. They are rare side effects, but which can result in functional disability. We report the case of a 79-year-old woman with a 11-year history of haemodialysis who had sudden left ankle pain and functional impairment in the ipsilateral member on day 5 after self-medication with ciprofloxacin. Comorbidities included chronic gonarthrosis, secondary hyperparathyroidism and ischemic heart disease. The diagnosis of bilateral Achilles tendinopathy and rupture of the left Achilles tendon was retained due to clinical features and confirmed by ultrasound of ankles. Ciprofloxacin-associated tendon rupture was evaluated using the French method of accountability for drug unexpected side effects or toxicity. Tendon rupture management was based on surgery followed by functional rehabilitation program with satisfactory outcome. The frequency of fluoroquinolone-related tendinopathies ranges from 15 to 20 accidents per 100,000 subjects treated, a third of whom are complicated by tendon rupture. Incidence is related to age, affecting mainly people > 60 years and involving tissular aging. Pefloxacin and ciprofloxacin are the most offending molecules. In our study, the delay in the onset of symptoms on day 5 after self-medication was consistent with literature. We detected some common contributing factors including chronic renal failure, hemodialysis and the assumption of statins and corticosteroids. Fluoroquinolone-related tendinopathies are characterized by common clinical features which allow diagnosis. They mostly affect Achilles tendon. They are bilateral in 40-66% of cases. Tendon rupture is the main complication. Management is based on surgery. It allows to restore anatomy and to prevent detrimental functional disability. We here report a rare but potentially serious fluoroquinolones-related side effect, exposing the patient to the risk of functional disability. Advanced age, chronic renal failure, chronic haemodialysis, concomitant use of statins and corticosteroids are common contributing factors confirmed in this study. Hemodialysis patients constitute a population at risk; hence the importance of remote monitoring after treatment with these molecules.