Neuropediatrics 2016; 47 - P04-07
DOI: 10.1055/s-0036-1583652

Idiopathic Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in Childhood: Two Case Reports

I. Pross 1, S. Braun 1, M. Schroth 1, H. Wörle 1, K. Marquard 1, T. von Kalle 2, M. Blankenburg 1
  • 1Pädiatrische Neurologie, Psychosomatik und Schmerztherapie, Kinderschmerz-zentrum Baden-Württemberg, Zentrum für Kinder- und Jugendmedizin Olgahospital, Klinikum Stuttgart, Deutschland
  • 2Radiologische Institut des Zentrum für Kinder- und Jugendmedizin Olgahospital, Klinikum Stuttgart, Deutschland

Background/Purpose: Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common compression neuropathy in adults. In literature, there are very few cases reported of CTS at an early age. Most children described were suffering from a symptomatic CTS caused by a disorder such as mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS), Mucolipidosis (ML) or a hereditary neuropathy with liability to pressure palsies (HNPP). We describe two cases of idiopathic CTS concerning a 3.5- and 5-year-old girl.

Methods:

Case Description: IT.*16/12/2011: With 3 J first tingling paresthesia at both hands. Father and paternal grandmother CTS. Clinical examination unremarkable, without syndromic stigmata. Sensory nerve conduction delayed right with 30 m/s (left 42m/s), ultrasound normal, MRI shows contrast medium-recording the thickened parts of the median nerve. X-ray normal. MPS negative. Genetics on HNPP outstanding.

AH.*19/11/2010: With 4.5 J first numbness at both palms. Mother (already 5x surgery) and maternal grandfather CTS. Clinical examination unremarkable, no syndromic stigmata. Sensory nerve conduction delayed left with 28 m/s (right 43 m/s), in ultrasound distention of the median nerve, in MRI increased signal intensity of the widened median nerve. Genetics on HNPP outstanding.

Results: In summary, both girls show typical changes in the median nerve in ultrasound and MRI and in the electrophysiological studies. Both children have no underlying storage disease. Genetic on HNPP. Outstanding. Both girls have a significant family history for CTS.

Conclusion: Therefore, it is important to think of CTS in children, if typical clinical symptoms are represent, even there is no storage disease.