[Carpal tunnel syndrome in polymyalgia rheumatica. Clinical and electromyographic response to systemic treatment]

The association between carpal tunnel syndrome and Polymyalgia Rheumatica has already been described. As in other systemic diseases the bilaterality of the syndrome is a common finding. Surgical treatment is usually necessary in carpal tunnel syndrome. Three cases of the syndrome associated with polymyalgia rheumatica are presented. Clinical remission and normalization of the electromyographic tracing were achieved by systemic corticosteroid treatment. The relationship between these two conditions is once more confirmed. A "wait and see" period which might eventually avoid unnecessary surgical intervention is strongly recommended.