Bilateral Spontaneous Rupture of the Achilles' Tendon During Chemotherapy Treatment

Abstract

Achilles rupture can occur spontaneously or secondary to traumatic injury. Described in the present report is the case of a patient with lung cancer who was undergoing combined chemotherapy treatment that included corticosteroids. Diagnosis of bilateral spontaneous Achilles' tendon rupture was initially overlooked. A-60-year old male presented with complaints of intense bilateral ankle pain, weakness in the legs, difficulty walking on the toes, and swelling and bruising on the heel. Neuropathy associated with chemotherapeutic agents was considered, before physical examination and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed bilateral Achilles' tendon rupture. The complaints resolved, following a 4-week rehabilitation program. Spontaneous rupture of the Achilles' tendon may occur as a rare complication in patients taking chemotherapy agents including steroids.

Spontaneous and simultaneous rupture of both Achilles tendons in a haemodialysis patient

“…Various risk factors for spontaneous rupture of the Achilles tendon have been reported in the literature, and are summarised in table 2 2 3 7 18–30…”

“…The management of Achilles tendon rupture, whether traumatic or not, still remains a matter of debate between advocates of conservative means, open repair and percutaneous techniques 4 19. Despite all the advent in tendon reconstruction surgery, non-operative methods are still relevant3 4 with several series reporting satisfactory outcomes 19. Most spontaneous Achilles tendon ruptures in patients with chronic renal failure have been managed by a standard end-to-end suture or tendon reinsertion (table 1).…”

“…For spontaneous tendon ruptures, many authors reported conservative measures in the management of this entity (table 2). 3 10 17–21 21–23 23 24 24–26 26–28 28 29…”