Vasculitis presenting as carpal tunnel syndrome: a case report

Carpal tunnel syndrome is the most common focal mononeuropathy which presents with pain in the wrist and hand, paresthesia, loss of sensation in the distribution of the median nerve, and in more severe cases, weakness and atrophy of the thenar muscles. Meanwhile, carpal tunnel syndrome can present as an initial manifestation of underlying systemic vasculitis disorder and result in severe physical disabilities.

A 27-year-old Iranian man was referred to our electrodiagnosis center with a clinical diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome in April 2020. Surgical intervention had been taken into account for him because of unsuccessful conservative therapies. On admission, thenar eminence was reduced. Electrodiagnostic findings were not compatible with median nerve entrapment at the wrist. All sensory modalities in the distribution of the right median nerve were decreased. Additionally, a mild increase in erythrocyte sedimentation rate was noted in laboratory tests. Because of the high vasculitis suspicion, we recommended the nerve biopsy and/or starting a high-dose corticosteroid. However, the surgery release was performed. After 6 months, the patient was referred for progressive weakness and numbness in the upper and lower limbs. After documentation of vasculitis neuropathy by biopsy, a diagnosis of non-systemic vasculitic neuropathy was confirmed. A rehabilitation program started immediately. Rehabilitation led to gradual improvement and recovery of function and muscle strength, and no complications remained, except mild leg paralysis.

Physicians should be suspicious of the median nerve vasculitis mononeuropathy in a patient with carpal tunnel syndrome-like symptoms. Median nerve vasculitis mononeuropathy as an initial presenting feature of vasculitis neuropathy can further result in severe physical impairments and disabilities.