Hereditary neuropathy with liability to pressure palsies is not a major cause of idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome.

BACKGROUND

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a debilitating neuropathy affecting millions of individuals. Although there are published reports of familial associations of carpal tunnel syndrome, the molecular mechanisms are unknown.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the prevalence and potential role of the chromosome 17 microdeletion associated with hereditary neuropathy with liability to pressure palsies in patients diagnosed as having carpal tunnel syndrome.

DESIGN

Prospective study.

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

Since hereditary neuropathy with liability to pressure palsies may present as carpal tunnel syndrome, we evaluated 50 patients with idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome for hereditary neuropathy with liability to pressure palsies.

RESULTS

No hereditary neuropathy with liability to pressure palsies deletions were detected.

CONCLUSION

Molecular genetic testing for hereditary neuropathy with liability to pressure palsies in patients with idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome is of limited value.