diagnostic value of MR imaging in the evaluation of carpal tunnel syndrome

ABSTRACT

Magnetic resonance [MR] imaging of the wrists was performed in fourteen patients who were suspected to have carpal tunnel syndrome [CTS]. The most predominant MR abnormalities were that related to the median nerve [seven cases] and of such nerve abnormalities, the most frequent sign was the swelling being segmental at the proximal part of the carpal tunnel in two cases and diffuse in three cases. In three cases, altered signal intensity of the median nerve was noted. These findings seemed to represent edematous changes of the median nerve due to compression and/or neuritis. Bowing of the flexor retinaculum was seen in three cases. Swelling of the tendon sheath was demonstrated in five cases and hemangiomas in another two cases. Surgical correlation was obtained in four wrists. Based on this study, MR imaging proved to be capable of demonstrating characteristic pathological changes of the median nerve in CTS regardless of the cause and in some cases it could detect the underlying cause, thus helping in the treatment planning