Carpal tunnel syndrome and hyperthyroidism. A prospective study

Acta Neurol Scand. 1993 Aug;88(2):149-52. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0404.1993.tb04207.x.

Abstract

We carried out a prospective study to determine the frequency and evolution of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) in patients with hyperthyroidism. An initial survey revealed CTS in 5% of these patients when hyperthyroidism was diagnosed. During the clinical and neurophysiologic follow-up for a two-year period, four more patients developed CTS; of these, two had uncontrolled hyperthyroidism, and the other two had iatrogenic hypothyroidism. The clinical and neurophysiologic evolution suggests a relationship between both diseases. The symptoms of CTS remitted if endocrinopathy is controlled. Surgery is, in general, not necessary. CTS can be considered another peripheral neurological manifestation associated with hyperthyroidism.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome / diagnosis*
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome / etiology
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome / physiopathology
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Hyperthyroidism / complications*
  • Hyperthyroidism / diagnosis
  • Hyperthyroidism / physiopathology
  • Hypothyroidism / complications
  • Hypothyroidism / diagnosis
  • Hypothyroidism / physiopathology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Prospective Studies
  • Thyroid Diseases / complications
  • Thyroid Diseases / diagnosis
  • Thyroid Diseases / physiopathology
  • Thyroid Function Tests
  • Thyroid Gland / metabolism
  • Thyroid Gland / physiopathology