Ulnar Neuropathy Caused by Repeated Thrombophlebitis of the Slow-flow Venous Malformation in the Cubital Tunnel: A Case Report

Abstract

Cubital tunnel syndrome is the most common entrapment neuropathy of the ulnar nerve at the elbow. Although there are many primary and secondary causes of cubital tunnel syndrome, ulnar neuropathy secondary to recurrent thrombophlebitis of the slow- flow Venous Malformation (VM) in the vicinity of the cubital tunnel has not been reported. Hereby, authors discuss a case of 22- year-old female with slow-flow VM in the vicinity of the cubital tunnel causing symptoms of transient ulnar neuropathy, progressing to ulnar neuritis resulting in persistent ulnar neuropathy. This was successfully treated by direct Stick Sclerotherapy of the VM, leading to complete relief of the symptoms. Follow-up Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) revealed near-total resolution of the VM with complete resolution of the ulnar neuritis. This was an atypical presentation of ulnar neuropathy secondary to recurrent thrombophlebitis of a slow-flow VM in the cubital tunnel, which was successfully managed by treating the malformation.