Nerve sonography in the diagnostic evaluation of primary and secondary carpal tunnel syndrome in rheumatoid arthritis.

Background And Purpose: Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common entrapment neuropathy and extra-articular manifestation of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, in patients with RA, it is not always possible to clinically distinguish an actual CTS from other RA-based complaints.

Methods: We evaluated the diagnostic role of nerve ultrasound (NUS) as supportive tool in the diagnostic process of CTS in patients with RA and tried to provide etiological clarification in cases of secondary CTS.