What tendon pathology is seen on imaging in people who have taken fluoroquinolones? A systematic review

Abstract Fluoroquinolones ( FQ s) are highly effective broad‐spectrum antibiotics. Clinical data reveal an increased incidence of tendon pain and rupture in those taking FQ s, yet little is known about tendon structural changes. This review synthesises published data on tendon structural changes in people who have taken FQ s. Eight databases were searched for potentially relevant articles (Medline, CINAHL , Biological Abstracts, AMED , Web of Knowledge, SCOPUS , SportDiscus and EMBASE ) using Me SH and free‐text searches. Inclusion and exclusion criteria determined which articles were used for this review. Twenty‐six papers met the eligibility criteria. The Achilles tendon was most commonly affected, and ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin were the most commonly implicated FQ s. Mean time to onset of symptoms was 16 days following first FQ dose. Imaging modalities used included magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), B‐mode ultrasound (US) and computed tomography (CT). Tendon measurements were rarely reported, and intratendinous imaging findings were not reported in a consistent manner. Few studies imaged tendons bilaterally, and only two studies were longitudinal in design. Future studies should report imaging measures such as thickness and cross‐sectional area and use consistent descriptions of intratendinous changes during and post‐ FQ treatment.