Surgery For Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Research Articles

Surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome in patients with and without diabetes-Is there a difference in the frequency of surgical procedures?

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) occurs more often among individuals with diabetes. The aim of this retrospective observational registry study was to examine whether individuals with diabetes and CTS are treated surgically to the same extent as individuals with CTS but without diabetes. Data on CTS diagnosis and surgery were collected from the Skåne Healthcare Register (SHR). A total of 35,105 individuals (age ≥ 18 years) diagnosed with CTS from 2004-2019 were included. Data were matched to the Swedish National Diabetes Register (NDR. Cox regression models were used to calculate the risk of the use of surgical treatment. Of the 35,105 included individuals with a CTS diagnosis, 17,662 (50%) were treated surgically, and 4,966 (14%) had diabetes. A higher number of individuals with diabetes were treated surgically (2,935/4,966, 59%) than individuals without diabetes (14,727/30,139, 49%). In the Cox regression model, diabetes remained a significant risk factor for surgical treatment (PR 1.14 (95% CI 1.11-1.17)). Individuals with type 1 diabetes were more frequently treated surgically (490/757, 65%) than individuals with type 2 diabetes (2,445/4,209, 58%). There was no difference between the sexes and their treatment. The duration of diabetes was also a risk factor for surgical treatment in diabetes type 2, but high HbA1c levels were not. Individuals with diabetes are more likely to be treated surgically for CTS than individuals without diabetes. Individuals with type 1 diabetes are more likely to be treated surgically for CTS than individuals with type 2 diabetes.

Retrospective evaluation of functional results and cost analysis of two different anesthesia methods in carpal tunnel syndrome surgery

Objective: The provision of health services at a satisfactory level and low cost is the main objective of all health systems. For this purpose, we evaluated carpal tunnel surgery performed under local anesthesia in the local procedure room and under a laryngeal mask in the operating room in terms of cost analysis. In this way, we aimed to reveal the controllability of health service expenditures and inadequacies in costing. Methods: A total of 119 patients who underwent local anesthesia (LA) in the local procedure room (Group I) and 45 patients who underwent laryngeal mask anesthesia (LMA) in the operating room (Group II) were retrospectively evaluated. In the calculation of cost analysis, since there were no hospitalization procedures in Group I cases, total costs were calculated only in minutes, multiplied by a coefficient of 7. In Group II cases, total costs were calculated by multiplying total procedure times in minutes by a coefficient of 12 and adding 50 units of hospitalization cost. Results: Postoperative Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score is statistically similar in both groups (P=0.714). The operation duration has an average value of 15.39±2.37 in the group of patients who received local anesthesia and 29.71±4.78 in the group treated in the operating room (P<0.001). It has been found that the intervention performed in the operating room is 2.2 times more costly than the local intervention. Conclusion: Our study is extremely valuable in terms of demonstrating that health service expenditures can be controlled in appropriately selected patients.

Prevalence of amyloid deposition and cardiac amyloidosis in shoulder disease compared to carpal tunnel syndrome

BackgroundCardiac amyloidosis is a fatal disease of severe heart failure caused by the accumulation of amyloid in the myocardium. This disease is often advanced by the time cardiac symptoms appear; therefore, early detection and treatment are critical for a good prognosis. Recently, it has been suggested that cardiac amyloidosis is implicated in several orthopedic diseases, including carpal tunnel syndrome, which is often reported to precede cardiac dysfunction. Shoulder disease has also been suggested to be associated with cardiac amyloidosis; however, there have been no reports investigating the rate of amyloid deposition in shoulder specimens and the simultaneous prevalence of cardiac amyloidosis. Herein, we investigated the prevalence of intraoperative specimen amyloid deposition and cardiac amyloidosis in shoulder disease and carpal tunnel syndrome to determine the usefulness of shoulder specimen screening as a predictor of cardiac amyloidosis development. MethodsA total of 41 patients undergoing arthroscopic shoulder surgery and 33 patients undergoing carpal tunnel syndrome surgery were enrolled in this study. The shoulder group included rotator cuff tears, contracture of the shoulder, synovitis, and calcific tendonitis. In the shoulder group, a small sample of synovium and the long head of biceps brachii tendon were harvested, while the transverse carpal ligament was harvested from the carpal tunnel syndrome group. The intraoperative specimens were pathologically examined for amyloid deposition, and patients with amyloid deposition were examined for the presence of cardiac amyloidosis by cardiac evaluation. ResultsIn the shoulder group, three cases (7.3%) of transthyretin amyloid deposition were found, all of which involved rotator cuff tears. None of these three cases with amyloid deposition were associated with cardiac amyloidosis. When examining the specimens, the amyloid deposition rate in the long head of the biceps brachii tendon was higher than that in the synovium. In the carpal tunnel syndrome group, 12 cases (36.4%) of transthyretin amyloid deposition were observed. Of these cases, seven underwent cardiac evaluation and two were identified with cardiac amyloidosis. ConclusionsWhile the prevalence of amyloid deposition and cardiac amyloidosis in the carpal tunnel syndrome group was consistent with previous reports, the shoulder group showed a lower deposition rate and no concomitant cardiac amyloidosis. Therefore, it remains debatable whether investigating amyloid deposition in samples obtained from shoulder surgery is beneficial for the early detection of cardiac amyloidosis.

The effect of comorbidities on the clinical profile and outcomes of surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome.

<b><br>Introduction:</b> The results of some studies show that predictors of less favourable outcomes of surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome might include the presence of comorbidities, such as diabetes and thyroid gland diseases. The role of these factors has not been clearly determined, but in most trials the patients burdened with comorbidities conducive to CTS are excluded from the analysis.</br> <b><br>Aim:</b> The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of concomitant diseases on the clinical profile and outcomes of surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome.</br> <b><br>Material and methods:</b> The study group consisted of 1117 patients - 909 women (81%) and 208 men (19%) - at a mean age of 63 years. A total of 972 patients (87%) declared having at least one comorbidity, whereas 145 patients (13%) declared no comorbidities. The measurements were performed preoperatively and at 6 months postoperatively; they included pain intensity, total grip and key-pinch strength, digital sensibility and hand function with Levine's questionnaire.</br> <b><br>Results:</b> At baseline, the patients with comorbidities had significantly worse digital sensiblility, weaker total grip strength and greater functional impairment of the hand, but only grip strength reached the minimal important difference (3.5 kg). Carpal tunnel release resulted in significant improvement in the tested variables for all patients, although the outcomes at 6 months were less favourable for those with comorbidities with regard to digital sensiblility, total grip and pinch strength and function of the hand. All these differences were statistically significant, but only grip strength reached the minimal important difference (2.9 kg).</br> <b><br>Conclusion:</b> The results of this study show that comorbidities in patients suffering from CTS had a statistically and clinically significant negative effect only on the total grip strength pre- and postoperatively, and no significant effect on the outcome of surgery, which was satisfactory in all patients.</br&gt.

Karpal tünel sendromunun lokal anestezi ile yapılan cerrahi tedavisinin sonuçları: turnikeli ve turnikesiz yapılan ameliyatların karşılaştırılması

Purpose: Carpal tunnel syndrome is the most common upper limb entrapment neuropathy. The current study reviews outcomes in carpal tunnel syndrome surgeries performed with local anesthesia in a procedure room outside the operating room and compares the surgeries with and without tourniquet use.
 Materials and Methods: Patients who underwent carpal tunnel syndrome surgery between June 2019 and January 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into two groups: with and without tourniquet use. Demographic characteristics, operative time, complications, and outcomes were compared. All patients were examined preoperatively and at postoperative month 3 using the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand scale (QDASH) questionnaire, which measures upper extremity activity and participation restrictions.
 Results: The study included 119 patients. The operative time was longer in the nontourniquet group than in the tourniquet group, with a statistically significant difference (16.75±2.39 min and 14.47±1.88 min, p

Jakie czynniki wpływają na elektrofizjologiczne parametry przewodzenia u pacjentów poddanych operacyjnemu leczeniu zespołu cieśni nadgarstka?

WstępZespół cieśni nadgarstka (ZCN) jest neuropatią kończyny górnej, pojawiającą się w wyniku ucisku nerwu pośrodkowego w kanale nadgarstka. Celem badania była ocena parametrów elektrofizjologicznych nerwu pośrodkowego przed leczeniem i 6 miesięcy po leczeniu operacyjnym ZCN u pacjentów obciążonych nikotynizmem oraz chorobami współistniejącymi.Materiał i metodyDo prospektywnego badania włączono 84 pacjentów z rozpoznanym klinicznie i elektrofizjologicznie ZCN kwalifikowanych do leczenia operacyjnego. U każdego pacjenta przed leczeniem oraz 6 miesięcy po leczeniu operacyjnym ZCN przeprowadzono badanie elektrofizjologiczne.WynikiUzyskane wyniki dowodzą, że nikotynizm i cukrzyca istotnie pogarszają parametry elektrofizjologiczne u pacjentów poddanych leczeniu operacyjnemu ZCN.WnioskiNikotynizm i cukrzyca są niekorzystnymi rokowniczo czynnikami u osób operowanych z powodu ZCN.

Overuse of the psychoactive analgesics’ opioids and gabapentinoid drugs in patients having surgery for nerve entrapment disorders

Knowledge about risks for overuse of psychoactive analgesics in patients having primary surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) or ulnar nerve entrapment (UNE), or both, is limited. We investigated if patients with those nerve entrapment disorders have a higher risk of overuse of psychoactive analgesics (i.e., opioids and gabapentinoid drugs) before, after, and both before and after surgery than observed in the general population after accounting for demographical and socioeconomic factors. Using a large record linkage database, we analysed 5,966,444 individuals (25–80 years), residing in Sweden December 31st, 2010–2014, of which 31,380 underwent surgery 2011–2013 for CTS, UNE, or both, applying logistic regression to estimate relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Overall, overuse of the psychoactive analgesics was low in the general population. Compared to those individuals, unadjusted RR (95% CI) of overuse ranged in patients between 2.77 (2.57–3.00) with CTS after surgery and 6.21 (4.27–9.02) with both UNE and CTS after surgery. These risks were only slightly reduced after adjustment for demographical and socioeconomic factors. Patients undergoing surgery for CTS, UNE, or both, have a high risk of overuse of psychoactive analgesics before, after, and both before and after surgery.

Influence of Electrodiagnostic Studies on Surgery for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A Retrospective Analysis of Data from a Single Urban Institution.

Background: This study aimed to clarify the influence of preoperative electrodiagnostic (EDX) utilisation and its severity on surgically treated patients with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Methods: This retrospective study analysed the data of patients who underwent CTS surgery at our facility from 2012 to 2022. Data regarding age, sex, affected side, diabetes mellitus, rheumatoid arthritis, haemodialysis and insurance type were collected, along with the following clinical information: utilisation of EDX, steroid injection, number of items of preoperative physical examination and history taking, intervals between symptom onset and the initial visit and between the initial visit and surgery, type of surgical procedure and surgery categorisation (primary or revision). EDX data (EDX severity, interval between EDX and surgery and concomitant nerve lesions) were also investigated. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to assess the influence of EDX utilisation and severity on clinical parameters. Results: Of the 343 hands enrolled in our study, 304 (89%) underwent preoperative EDX assessment. EDX severity was classified as normal, mild, moderate or severe in 6 (2%), 18 (6%), 102 (34%) and 178 hands (58%), respectively. After the univariate and multivariable analyses, more items of preoperative physical examination and history taking were associated with non-EDX utilisation, whereas younger age, female sex and steroid injection were associated with milder EDX. Conclusions: Increased number of items of preoperative physical examination and history taking or steroid injection were independently associated with non-EDX utilisation or milder EDX, respectively, suggesting that when thorough clinical evaluation is conducted, hand surgeons may be less likely to request for EDX before surgery. Moreover, their treatment recommendation may be influenced by EDX severity. Level of Evidence: Level III (Diagnostic).

Delayed Surgical Treatment in Patients with Chronic Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Is Still Effective in the Improvement of Hand Function.

Background and Objectives: Severe carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common compression neuropathy in the upper extremities treated conservatively; later, when advanced, CTS is treated mostly surgically. The most prevalent symptoms comprise numbness, as well as sensation loss in the thumb, index, and middle finger, and thenar muscle strength loss, resulting in impaired daily functioning for patients. Data on the results of CTS treatment in patients with delayed surgical intervention are scarce. The aim of this study was to determine the postoperative results of chronic carpal tunnel syndrome treatment in patients with symptoms lasting for at least 5 years. Materials and Methods: A total of 86 patients (69 females, 17 males) with a mean age of 58 years reporting symptoms of CTS for at least 5 years (mean: 8.5 years) were prospectively studied. The average follow-up time was 33 months. All patients underwent the surgical open decompression of the median nerve at the wrist. A preoperative observation was composed of an interview and a clinical examination. The subjects completed the DASH (the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand), PRWE (Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation), and self-report questionnaires. Global grip strength, sensory discrimination, characteristic symptoms of CTS, and thenar muscle atrophy were examined. Postoperatively, clinical and functional examinations were repeated, and patients expressed their opinions by completing a BCTQ (Boston Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Questionnaire). Results: We found improvements in daily activities and hand function postoperatively. Overall, 88% of patients were satisfied with the outcome of surgery. DASH scores decreased after surgery from 44.82 to 14.12 at p < 0.001. PRWE questionnaire scores decreased from 53.34 to 15.19 at p < 0.001. The mean score of the BCTQ on the scale regarding the severity of symptoms was 1.48 and 1.62 on the scale regarding function after surgery. No significant differences were found in the scores between the male and female groups or between age groups (p > 0.05). A significant increase in global grip strength from 16.61 kg to 21.91 kg was observed postoperatively at p < 0.001. No significant difference was detected in the measurement of sensory discrimination (6.02 vs. 5.44). In most of the examined patients, night numbness and wrist pain subsided after surgery at p < 0.001. Thenar muscle atrophy diminished after surgery at p < 0.001. Conclusions: Most patients were satisfied with the results of CTS surgery regarding the open decompression of the median nerve even after 5 years of ineffective conservative treatment. Significant improvement of the hand function was confirmed in the functional studies.

A comparative study on efficacy of modified endoscopic minimally invasive treatment and traditional open surgery for primary carpal tunnel syndrome

Background and ObjectiveCarpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common type of median nerve entrapment neuropathy. This study aims to comparatively assess the effectiveness and clinical efficacy of modified transforaminal endoscopic minimally invasive incision of transverse carpal ligament against traditional open incision of transverse carpal ligament in the treatment of CTS.MethodThe clinical data of 35 patients (57 wrists) with primary CTS treated in Shanxi Bethune Hospital, China, were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into observation group (21 cases, 33 wrists) and control group (14 cases, 24 wrists), respectively, who underwent modified endoscopic minimally invasive incision of transverse carpal ligament and traditional open incision of transverse carpal ligament release. The Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (BCTQ) was assessed at for points: before the operation; 2 weeks; 1 month; and 3 months after operation. The BCTQ scores of the two groups were compared on all four points. The incidence of intraoperative and postoperative complication was used as the evaluation index. The study variables were comparatively assessed before and postoperation and also between the groups.ResultsThe BCTQ scores at 2 weeks, 1 month and 3 months after the operation were significantly lower than preoperative BCTQ scores (P < 0.005) for both the groups. There was no significant difference in BCTQ scores between the two groups at the four assessment points (P > 0.005). The scar size and wound healing time were significantly better with modified transforaminal endoscopic minimally invasive transverse carpal ligament incision.ConclusionThe clinical effects of both modified transforaminal minimally invasive incision of transverse carpal ligament and traditional open incision of transverse carpal ligament are significant, while the treatment efficacy of modified transforaminal minimally invasive transverse carpal ligament incision is better in terms of operation time, wound size, postoperative scar size and incision healing time.

Prevalence of amyloid in ligamentum flavum of patients with lumbar spinal stenosis

Background Transthyretin (ATTR) amyloidosis is often diagnosed in an advanced stage, when irreversible cardiac damage has occurred. Lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) may precede cardiac ATTR amyloidosis by many years, offering the opportunity to detect ATTR already at the time of LSS surgery. We prospectively assessed the prevalence of ATTR in the ligamentum flavum by tissue biopsy in patients aged >50 years undergoing surgery for LSS. Methods Ligamentum flavum thickness was assessed pre-operatively on axial T2 magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) slices. Tissue samples from ligamentum flavum were screened centrally by Congo red staining and immunohistochemistry (IHC). Results Amyloid in the ligamentum flavum was detected in 74/94 patients (78.7%). IHC revealed ATTR in 61 (64.9%), whereas amyloid subtyping was inconclusive in 13 (13.8%). Mean thickness of ligamentum flavum was significantly higher at all levels in patients with amyloid (p < .05). Patients with amyloid deposits were older (73.1 ± 9.2 vs. 64.6 ± 10.1 years, p = .01). No differences in sex, comorbidities, previous surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome or LSS were observed. Conclusions Amyloid, mostly of the ATTR subtype, was found in four out of five patients with LSS and is associated with age and ligamentum flavum thickness. Histopathological work-up of ligamentum flavum might inform future decision making.

Evaluation of Racial, Ethnic, and Socioeconomic Disparities in Indication for Carpal Tunnel Release.

Disparities in the utilization of orthopaedic surgery based on race and ethnicity continue to be reported. We examined the impact of sociodemographic factors on treatment recommendation by hand surgeons for carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) of similar disease severity. Patients with electrodiagnostic study (EDS)-confirmed CTS were evaluated at a single institution between 2016 and 2020. Data including patient age, sex, race/ethnicity, ZIP Code, and EDS severity were collected. The primary outcome was the recommended treatment by the hand surgeon at the first clinic visit according to patient race/ethnicity and the Social Deprivation Index (SDI). Secondary outcomes included the treatment selected by patients (nonsurgical or surgical) and the time to surgery. The 949 patients had a mean age of 58 years (range, 18 to 80 years); 60.5% (n = 574) were women. The race/ethnicity of the patient cohort was 9.8% (n = 93) Black non-Hispanic, 11.2% (n = 106) Hispanic/Latino, 70.3% (n = 667) White non-Hispanic, and 8.7% (n = 83) "other." Overall, Black non-Hispanic patients (38.7%; odds ratio, [OR] 0.62; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.40 to 0.96) and Hispanic/Latino patients (35.8%; OR, 0.55; 95% CI, 0.36 to 0.84) were less likely to have surgery recommended at their first visit compared with White non-Hispanic patients (50.5%). This was no longer apparent after adjusting for demographic and clinical variables including EDS severity and SDI (Black non-Hispanic patients: adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.67; 95% CI, 0.4 to 1.11; Hispanic/Latino patients: aOR, 0.69: 95% CI, 0.41 to 1.14). Across all categories of EDS severity, surgeons were less likely to recommend surgery to patients with a higher SDI (aOR: 0.66, 0.64, and 0.54 for quintiles 2, 3 and 4, respectively). When surgery was recommended, patients in the highest SDI quintile were less likely to proceed with surgery (p = 0.032). There was no association between patient race/ethnicity and the treatment selected by the patient or time to surgery (p = 0.303 and p = 0.725, respectively). Patients experiencing higher levels of social deprivation were less likely to be recommended for CTS surgery and were less likely to proceed with surgery, regardless of patient race/ethnicity. Additional investigation into the social factors influencing both surgeon and patient selection of treatment for CTS, including the impact of patient socioeconomic background, is warranted. Prognostic Level III . See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Evaluation of oblique mattress suturing technique for skin closure in carpal tunnel syndrome surgery

Evaluation of oblique mattress suturing technique for skin closure in carpal tunnel syndrome surgery

Retrospective Analysis of 48 Patients Reoperated for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a condition in which the median nerve is compressed between the transverse ligament and the carpal bones. There are various techniques used in the surgical treatment of CTS. The present study aimed to investigate the reasons for reoperation by examining the reoperated cases diagnosed with CTS. Patients who underwent surgery for CTS at Kahramanmaraş Sütçü İmam University Department of Neurosurgery between January 1, 2015 and September 1, 2022 were evaluated retrospectively. All patients were operated by the same surgical team. Patients who underwent two or more operations with the same diagnosis were included in the study, while those operated for the first time due to CTS and with missing data were excluded. The included patients were analyzed in terms of gender, age, occupation, side of the surgery, presence of systemic diseases causing CTS such as diabetes mellitus (DM), number of the operations they underwent, time until the next operation, surgical technique, and medical branch that performed the surgery (orthopedics, neurosurgery, or plastic surgery). Forty-eight patients who met the study criteria were evaluated. Out of the 48 reoperated patients, 14 were male and 34 were female. Eighteen patients had been operated using the mini-incision open method, while 22 had undergone laparoscopic surgery, including 14 patients with biportal endoscopic surgery, and eight with uniportal endoscopic surgery. Out of the 48 patients, 31 (64.6%), 11 (22.9%), and six patients were first operated by orthopedic and traumatology physicians, plastic and reconstructive surgeons, and neurosurgeons, respectively. The use of open surgical technique is the gold standard in CTS and complete incision of the transverse ligament provides complete decompression of the median nerve. We believe that decompression with closed or small incisions due to aesthetic concerns may not be sufficient and may increase the risk of complications.

The impact of temperament on functional and symptomatic relief and satisfaction after carpal tunnel release.

The aim of this study was to compare the symptomatic, functional and satisfaction outcomes of patients with different temperaments undergoing carpal tunnel surgery by a single surgeon. Dominant temperaments of 171 patients with carpal tunnel syndrome were determined using the Temperament Evaluation of Memphis, Pisa, Paris and San Diego Autoquestionnaire (TEMPS-A). Patients were divided into six temperament groups, and the impact of their respective group measured against preoperative and postoperative symptom severity and functional capacity using the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (BCTQ] and satisfaction using the Patient Evaluation Measure (PEM). Patients in the depressive group had the largest improvement in symptoms (BCTQ score change, -2.2) as well as a significant improvement in function (BCTQ score change, -2.1), yet had the lowest postoperative satisfaction (mean PEM score 9). Determination of patient temperament before surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) may be useful as an ancillary technique to help predict postoperative satisfaction, which may in turn help guide preoperative communication and expectation setting.Level of evidence: III.

P3 EXERTIONAL SYNCOPE AND VENTRICULAR ARRHYTHMIA IN A PATIENT WITH CARDIAC AMYLOIDOSIS

Abstract Systemic amyloidosis is a multisystem disorder caused by the misfolding, aggregation, and deposition of certain proteins in various organs and tissues. Cardiac involvement is common and worsens the prognosis. Atrial fibrillation is the most frequent arrhythmia in cardiac amiloidosis (CA), but many cases of ventricular arrhythmias (VA) and sudden cardiac death (SCD) have been described. We present a case of a 64–year–old man admitted following exertional syncope occurred after climbing a flight of stairs. His medical history included left gonarthrosis and surgery for right carpal tunnel syndrome one year before. Physical examination did not revealed signs of heart failure. A 12–lead electrocardiogram (ECG) showed a pseudoinfarction pattern with QS waves in V2 and V3 leads and low voltage in all limb leads. Routine blood tests revealed NT–pro–BNP 3436 pg/ml(n.v.0–125) and high–sensitive troponin T 67 pg/ml(n.v.&amp;lt; 58). A trans–thoracic echocardiogram showed left ventricle (LV) concentric thickening wall with granular and sparkling pat[1]tern, mild reduced ejection fraction, reduced global longitudinal strain with apical sparing, grade 3 diastolic disfunction, biatrial enlargement, mild mitral regurgitation, right ventricle free wall thickening (8 mm), mild reduced TAPSE, and mild pericardial effusion. Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) confirmed ventricular wall thickening with evidence at T1 mapping of interstitial infiltration more evident in the septum and inferior–lateral wall with apical savings. A total body 99mTc–HDP scintigraphy showed cardiac uptake with intensity similar to bone signal (Perugini Score 2) suggesting ATTR cardiac amyloidosis. Both kappa and lambda concentrations were normal. The genetic testing did not reveled mutations in the TTR gene. We concluded for a diagnosis of ATTR wild–type CA. The Holter ECG monitoring registered numerous ventricular ectopic beats and an episode of non–sustained ventricular tachycardia. A coronary angiography ruled out coronary artery disease. In consideration of the clinical–instrumental picture an ICD was implanted. Conclusions CA is still underdiagnosed. VA and SCD may further complicate the prognosis. Early diagnosis and adequate stratification of the arrhythmic risk are essential to ensure patients the best therapeutic strategies.

P350 LOOKING FOR RED FLAGS

Abstract Case report: a 81 years old man with systemic hypertension, dyslipidemia, past smoking habit, was admitted to the ER of our hospital with acute decompensated heart failure. Since July he complained of worsening of dyspnea and paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea. His blood pressure was of 155/80 mmHg, the HR was of 78 bpm in atrial fibrillation. He reported past myocardial infarction at the age of 32, thenceforth he underwent periodic cardiac check–up. From 2013 he had developed atrial fibrillation. He had suspended Amiodarone because of dysthyroidism, rate control was obtained with Bisoprolol. In 2015, he underwent coronary angiography for a positive scintigraphy showed absence of lesions. During the same hospitalization there was evidence of nocturnal bradycardia (35 bpm). In 2016, a cardiac MR showed subendocardial and intramyocardial fibrosis at mid–basal wall resembling post ischemic events. He underwent past carpal tunnel syndrome surgery. During the actual hospitalization, the EKG showed atrial fibrillation (78 bpm), complete left bundle branch block (both already known). Serum and urinary light–chain assessment and determination of immunoglobulin light chains levels were negative for AL amyloidosis. The echocardiogram documented: hypertrophy of the interventricular septum, mildly reduced LV systolic function (EF=43%). Invasive coronary angiography showed absence of lesions. CMR showed: left ventricular size at the upper limit of normal with hypertrophy of the interventricular septum and the anterior wall, diffused left transmural LGE, focal fibroadipose infiltration of lower basal SIV. During the hospitalization multiple episodes of non sustained ventricular tachycardia occurred, so that a CRT–D device was implanted in secondary prevention. There was a strong suspicion of cardiac amyloidosis so that definitive diagnosis was obtained by the use of 99m Tc scintigraphy coupled with haematologic tests (already done, resulted negative). Scintigraphy showed myocardial uptake of the radiotracer greater than the bone (Grade 3 Perugini score). Conclusion cardiac amyloidosis is a restrictive cardiomyopathy. Early diagnosis is really important, firstly, because new treatments, such as a TTR stabilizer, have transformed this once incurable disease to a treatable condition. Secondly, diagnostic tools now allow earlier and more accurate non–invasive diagnosis. It is crucial to put the attention on red flags which have to be found to rise the clinical suspicion.

Clinical characteristics and prognostic implications of orthopedic ligament disorders in patients with wild-type transthyretin amyloidosis cardiomyopathy

BackgroundWild-type transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTRwt) is associated with multiple ligament disorders (LD) such as carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS), and spontaneous tendon rupture (STR). No studies have investigated the prevalence of these LD in the same cohort of ATTRwt patients. Furthermore, the clinical characteristics and prognostic implications of such disorders have not been studied. MethodsFrom 2017 to 2022, 206 consecutive patients with ATTRwt were diagnosed and followed prospectively to the time of death or the censoring date of September 1st, 2022. Patients with and without LD were compared, and the presence of LD was used along with the baseline clinical, biochemical, and echocardiographic characteristics to predict hospitalization with worsening heart failure and death. ResultsCTS surgery was performed in 34 % of the patients, 8 % were treated for LSS, and 10 % had experienced an STR. The median follow-up time was 706 days (312–1067). Hospitalization with worsening heart failure occurred more frequently in patients with LD compared to patients without LD (p = 0.035). Presence of LD or surgery for CTS were found to be independent predictors of worsening heart failure with a hazard ratio of 2.0 (p = 0.01). The mortality was comparable between patients with and without LD (p = 0.10). ConclusionOrthopedic disorders are prevalent in ATTRwt cardiomyopathy, and presence of LD was an independent predictor of hospitalization with worsening heart failure.

Patient Satisfaction with Surgery for Tarsal- and Carpal- Tunnel Syndrome - Comparative Study.

We compared the treatment satisfaction of patients who had undergone surgery for tarsal tunnel syndrome (TTS) and carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). We enrolled 44 patients in this study; 23 were operated for CTS and 21 for TTS. All patients had received surgery under a microscope and under local anesthesia. Using the numerical rating scale (NRS) for numbness/pain (range 0-10) we compared their preoperative outcome expectations with their satisfaction with our treatment 6 months after the operation. We also recorded their pre- and postoperative EuroQol 5-dimension 5-level (EQ-5D-5L) scale for their health-related quality of life (QOL). The subjective assessment of their QOL showed that it was significantly lower in TTS- than CTS patients both pre- and postoperatively. Six months after the operation, the NRS for symptoms and the (EQ-5D-5L) scale for the QOL were significantly improved in TTS- and CTS patients; however, these scores were significantly better after CTS- than TTS surgery. Also, the postoperative NRS was significantly lower in the CTS- than the TTS patients. Our comparison of the patients' expected- and actual surgical outcome showed that the result was better than expected after CTS- and TTS surgery; in CTS patients the difference was significant. Overall, CTS- were more satisfied than TTS patients with the treatment outcome. Satisfaction with the treatment was greater after CTS- than TTS surgery. TTS- experienced less symptom relief than CTS patients although the actual- exceeded the expected outcome in patients operated for TTS.

Impact of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Surgery on Early Diagnosis and Treatment of Transthyretin Cardiac Amyloidosis

Background and Objectives: Cardiac amyloidosis is an infiltrative, progressive, and restrictive cardiomyopathy that leads to heart failure, reduces life quality, and causes death. This is a multisystem disorder caused by mutations of the transthyretin protein and is associated not only with cardiac diseases or carpal tunnel syndrome but also with nerve, liver, lung, gastrointestinal tract, kidney, or eye pathologies. Carpal tunnel syndrome is an early red-flag symptom of transthyretin (TTR) cardiac amyloidosis; therefore, screening for unsuspected cardiac amyloidosis can be performed through histological testing of flexor retinaculum specimens gathered during carpal tunnel release surgery. Our case highlights that early detection and accurate diagnosis of a disease are important factors for improving clinical outcomes in patients with TTR amyloidosis. Case Summary: We report the case of a 71-year-old man who presented with bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome. Amyloid deposits were detected after carpal tunnel release surgery through histological testing of the synovial tissue. The patient was sent for a cardiological evaluation. Physical examination, laboratory tests, and the ECG revealed no significant changes. The diagnosis of amyloidosis was confirmed with multimodality imaging in the early stage, which helped to start specific medicamental treatment with the transthyretin stabilizer tafamidis. Conclusions: Our objective is to highlight the early recognition and specific medicamental treatment of cardiac amyloidosis for better patient prognosis and outcomes.