Being a Better Starfish Thrower, Carpal  Tunnel Syndrome, and Cardiac Amyloidosis: The Hand Surgeon’s Opportunity to Make a Profound Difference

In recent years, there is increasing literature in cardiac and hand surgery journals demonstrating a stronger association between seemingly idiopathic carpal tunnel and amyloidosis. Despite this, it can be difficult for hand surgeons to identify who need biopsies, and this is further complicated by the cost of a biopsy and the low likelihood that a patient has cardiac amyloidosis. In patients with cardiac amyloidosis and carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), CTS is typically diagnosed 5 –10 years prior. Early diagnosis of cardiac amyloidosis is crucial, as current medications work to slow disease progression, but do not treat existing amyloid deposits.
Source: The Journal of Hand Surgery - Category: Surgery Authors: Tags: The Hand Surgery Landscape Source Type: research