Carpal tunnel syndrome as the initial manifestation of tuberculosis

Two patients presenting with carpal tunnel syndrome as the initial manifestations of tuberculosis were seen during a recent four month period at a larg city-county hospital. Although the clinical picture of the carpal tunnel syndrome was typical, a definite diagnosis could not be made until the time of surgery because of the many other causes of the carpal tunnel syndrome. A review of the experience with musculoskeletal tuberculosis and carpal tunnel syndrome at our hospital indicates that although this combination is not common, it is one of the treatable causes of the carpal tunnel syndrome. A review of the literature substantiates this impression.