[Epicondylitis induced by fluoroquinolones in athletes. Apropos of 2 cases]

Epicondylitis occurred in two leisure athletes who were taking fluoroquinolones. No similar cases have been reported in the literature. In both cases, pain occurred early after initiating drug therapy. Pain was intense and was not controlled by usual care. Echography demonstrated major inflammatory lesions with pseudo-necrosis. Magnetic resonance imaging confirmed the lesions and gave evidence of infraclinical lesions of the adjacent tendons. Surgical disinsertion of the epicondyles with biopsy was indicated due to the persistent pain. Histological examination revealed unspecific lesions of hyalin degeneration and a few giant cells in one case. Pain disappeared after surgery and the patients were able to return to their work, but neither was able to continue his sports activity. Lesions of the Achilles tendon have been observed in patients taking fluoroquinolone and the two cases reported here confirm the possibility of other localizations. Care must therefore be taken when prescribing these antibiotics in patients at risk (dialysis patients, those on corticosteroids, high-performance athletes).