Case Reports
Chronic alcohol consumption as a predisposing factor for multiple tendon ruptures in unusual sites in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis
L.A. Bourikas, H.D. Kritikos, O.G. Papakostantinou, G.A. Katsikas, D.T. Boumpas, P.I. Sidiropoulos
CER3034
2007 Vol.25, N°3
PI 0461, PF 0463
Case Reports
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PMID: 17631746 [PubMed]
Abstract
ABSTRACT: Simultaneous bilateral patellar tendon ruptures are a rare complication of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Systemic inflammatory diseases (RA, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), chronic renal failure, primary and secondary hyperparathyroidism, diabetes mellitus, obesity, sports activity, older age (>50) and drugs (prolonged use of high doses of steroids, local steroid injections and quinolones) are considered as potent predisposing factors for tendon rupture. We report a case of an alcoholic patient with RA and bilateral spontaneous tendon ruptures of the knees. Circumstantial evidence suggest that in this patient, chronic alcohol consumption, a very frequent cause of toxicity to striated and cardiac muscle, contributed to the injury.
