Unprecedented recurrence of carpal tunnel syndrome by metaplastic synovial cyst in the carpal tunnel

Abstract

Metaplastic synovial cyst (MSC) is a benign cystic lesion observed after surgical intervention and recurrent skin trauma. Because of its rarity, the etiology is not fully understood. The most emphasized etiologic factors are recurrent surgical procedures and cutaneous pathologies, which cause cutaneous fragility and abnormal wound formation. In the literature, MSC is exemplified as a mass that can be observed by the naked eye and palpated. All patients had a history of previous surgical procedures in the area. In the present case, we report a 48 -year-old woman with recurrent carpal tunnel syndrome due to a MSC. This report showed that MSC can be detected at deeper locations than the regions described in the literature. To our knowledge, this is the first report of MSC causing carpal tunnel syndrome recurrence. It is thought that previous operations are the most important etiologic factor in MSC occurrence.

Angiolipoma: A Unique Cause of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

“…However, when this is not the case, it can be difficult to diagnose. A case of a metaplastic synovial cyst in the carpal tunnel highlights this as they did not perform ultrasound or MRI preoperatively to aid their diagnosis [14]. Lipomas have also been reported to cause other forms of entrapment neuropathy in both upper and lower limbs [15].…”

Painless Mobile Nodule on the Shoulder

“…In a literature review of CMSC cases performed by Fukuyama et al, 3 distribution of reported cases according to body site varied; however, limbs were found to be the most commonly involved area. A PubMed search of articles indexed for MEDLINE as well as a Google Scholar search using the term cutaneous metaplastic synovial cyst revealed at least 37 cases reported in the English-language literature, [3][4][5][6][7][8][9] including our present case. The pathogenesis remains uncertain; however, a majority of previously reported cases of CMSC characteristically have been associated with a pre-existing lesion, with most presentations developing at surgical scar sites secondary to operation or trauma.…”