Mycobacterium marinum and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Three Case Reports

Infection with Mycobacterium marinum is often difficult to diagnose. Infection with M. marinum in the upper extremity may involve the tendon sheaths, producing clinical manifestations such as tenosynovitis and symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. We report 3 cases of M. marinum infection of the hand associated with carpal tunnel syndrome during an outbreak in New York City's Chinatown. A combination of carpal tunnel release, flexor tenosynovectomy, and appropriate antibiotics yielded complete resolution of symptoms in all cases.