Symptomatic Progression of Congenital Ulnar Nerve Hypoplasia with Brachial Plexus Anomaly

Abstract

Symptomatic progression of congenital ulnar nerve hypoplasia in association with an anomaly of the brachial plexus is uncommon. The authors present such a case involving an 11-year-old girl, who presented with a complaint of progressive numbness and hand weakness occurring in less than 6 months' time. Physical examination revealed limb hypoplasia, neurologic abnormalities, and a palpable hypoplastic ulnar nerve at the level of the cubital tunnel. An additional intraoperative finding was an anomalous brachial plexus. This combined case of congenital ulnar nerve hypoplasia, brachial plexus anomaly, and symptomatic progression, is discussed in the context of other literature.

Congenital peripheral nerve hypoplasia: a report of seven cases

“…Camptodactyly is also in the differential diagnosis, although this usually affects the little fingers and is frequently bilateral. Finally, it is important to exclude a more proximal nerve lesion, such as an obstetric brachial plexus palsy, which could give rise to ulnar clawing if the C8/T1 roots are affected (Henry et al., 2004). Additional findings, such as a Horner’s sign or a history of obstetric injury, could help to differentiate obstetric brachial plexus palsy from CPNH.…”

Congenital peripheral nerve hypoplasia: a report of seven cases

“…Camptodactyly is also in the differential diagnosis, although this usually affects the little fingers and is frequently bilateral. Finally, it is important to exclude a more proximal nerve lesion, such as an obstetric brachial plexus palsy, which could give rise to ulnar clawing if the C8/T1 roots are affected (Henry et al., 2004). Additional findings, such as a Horner’s sign or a history of obstetric injury, could help to differentiate obstetric brachial plexus palsy from CPNH.…”

Congenital ulnar nerve deficient hand: a case report

“…To our knowledge, only two cases of congenital hypoplasia of the ulnar nerve have previously been reported in the English literature (Henry et al., 2004; Patterson and Urbaniak, 2002). In the former report, the patient presented with a claw-like appearance of the ulnar three digits.…”

“…Proximal ulnar nerve anatomy was not revealed. In the report of Henry et al. (2004), it appeared that the ulnar nerve was found to arise from the radial nerve in the arm.…”

Congenital peripheral nerve hypoplasia: a report of seven cases

“…Camptodactyly is also in the differential diagnosis, although this usually affects the little fingers and is frequently bilateral. Finally, it is important to exclude a more proximal nerve lesion, such as an obstetric brachial plexus palsy, which could give rise to ulnar clawing if the C8/T1 roots are affected (Henry et al., 2004). Additional findings, such as a Horner’s sign or a history of obstetric injury, could help to differentiate obstetric brachial plexus palsy from CPNH.…”

Congenital ulnar nerve deficient hand: a case report

“…To our knowledge, only two cases of congenital hypoplasia of the ulnar nerve have previously been reported in the English literature (Henry et al., 2004; Patterson and Urbaniak, 2002). In the former report, the patient presented with a claw-like appearance of the ulnar three digits.…”

“…Proximal ulnar nerve anatomy was not revealed. In the report of Henry et al. (2004), it appeared that the ulnar nerve was found to arise from the radial nerve in the arm.…”

Congenital peripheral nerve hypoplasia: a report of seven cases

“…Camptodactyly is also in the differential diagnosis, although this usually affects the little fingers and is frequently bilateral. Finally, it is important to exclude a more proximal nerve lesion, such as an obstetric brachial plexus palsy, which could give rise to ulnar clawing if the C8/T1 roots are affected (Henry et al., 2004). Additional findings, such as a Horner’s sign or a history of obstetric injury, could help to differentiate obstetric brachial plexus palsy from CPNH.…”

Congenital ulnar nerve deficient hand: a case report

“…To our knowledge, only two cases of congenital hypoplasia of the ulnar nerve have previously been reported in the English literature (Henry et al., 2004; Patterson and Urbaniak, 2002). In the former report, the patient presented with a claw-like appearance of the ulnar three digits.…”

“…Proximal ulnar nerve anatomy was not revealed. In the report of Henry et al. (2004), it appeared that the ulnar nerve was found to arise from the radial nerve in the arm.…”