Tinel sign to the median nerve area caused by a proximal tumor as detected by magnetic resonance neurography: Two case reports

Abstract

AbstractTinel sign is a sensitive clinical indicator for the location of nerve lesions, while magnetic resonance imaging is an efficient tool for lesion diagnosis. Several imaging studies of the Tinel sign with a short distance median nerve have been reported. However, few studies have examined the Tinel sign provoked by a distant lesion or its findings in magnetic resonance neurography. Herein, we report our peripheral nerve conduction and magnetic resonance neurography findings for two women with Tinel signs in the median nerve with a long distance caused by a proximal tumor. Case 1 showed a mass at the proximal superior trunk of the brachial plexus, originating from the fifth cervical spinal root. Case 2 showed a mass at the proximal median nerve at the axilla. There were no changes in symptoms or Tinel signs in either case, and no abnormalities in nerve conduction studies including F waves, for >2 years.