Abstract
We present a rare case of spontaneous bilateral Achilles tendon rupture induced by levofloxacin, one of the fluoroquinolone antibiotics. A 76-year-old man was diagnosed with acute appendicitis and was commenced on oral levofloxacin 300 mg/day for 2 weeks. Seven days afterward he developed pain in both Achilles tendons, and at 14 days he developed swelling in the tendons. Four days later he felt a sharp, painful snap in both Achilles tendons while changing trousers. Both Achilles tendons ruptured completely at the mid-portion. There was no obvious underlying disease or pathophysiological factor causing fragility of his Achilles tendons. Despite the relatively large volume of case-based evidence, the pathophysiology of fluoroquinolone-induced tendinitis and tendon rupture is unclear. When tendinitis develops during fluoroquinolone therapy, the physician should consider the possible association between the fluoroquinolone and tendon rupture.
Similar content being viewed by others
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
About this article
Cite this article
Kowatari, K., Nakashima, K., Ono, A. et al. Levofloxacin-induced bilateral Achilles tendon rupture: a case report and review of the literature. J Orthop Sci 9, 186–190 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00776-003-0761-4
Received:
Accepted:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00776-003-0761-4