Increased pulse wave velocity and carotid intima-media thickness in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome.

INTRODUCTION

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is associated with cardiovascular risk factors. The aim of our study was to determine whether carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cf-PWV), as surrogates of cardiovascular disease and arterial stiffness, are increased in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome.

METHODS

Forty patients with CTS and 40 gender- and age-matched controls underwent cf-PWV assessment, CIMT measurement, and nerve conduction study.

RESULTS

CIMT and cf-PWV were increased significantly in patients with CTS. They correlated positively with median sensory and motor nerve distal latency. Whereas both CIMT and PWV related to CTS, only CIMT independently predicted CTS.

CONCLUSIONS

There is both increased pulse wave velocity and CIMT and a positive correlation between these parameters and median nerve sensory distal latency in patients with CTS. CTS appears to be associated with arterial stiffness and atherosclerotic burden, but the underlying mechanisms require further study.