A 32-year-old woman was admitted with inflammatory low back and hip pain for the last two weeks. In her medical history, she had been using systemic isotretinoin treatment for the last two months (first month 20 mg/d, second 30 mg/d) for acne vulgaris. On physical examination, she did not have decreased axial range of motion. Sacroiliac tests were negative. There were no enthesopathy, peripheral joint involvement, ocular findings, cutaneous lesions indicating seronegative spondyloarthritis or infection.
Preliminary results imply that subjects with occupational lead exposure have smaller Achilles tendons than healthy subjects. Chronic lead exposure may affect the tendons due to reduction of collagen synthesis.
ABSTRACT
Objective: The study aimed to assess tendon thickness in patients with chronic occupational lead exposure by using ultrasonography.