A giant hand lipoma as a rare cause of secondary carpal tunnel syndrome - A case report

INTRODUCTION: Lipomas are a rare cause of compressive neuropathy and they lead to atypical clinical presentation that can mimic carpal tunnel syndrome. CASE PRESENTATION: The authors describe a rare presentation of a carpal tunnel syndrome recurrence after a hand giant lipoma, presenting with rapidly compression neuropathy of the median nerve, 6 months after de primary surgery. DISCUSSION: Lipomas are common benign soft tumours. Their occurrence in the hand remains rare and they rarely cause secondary entrapment neuropathies. Carpal tunnel syndrome is mostly idiopathic and bilateral. Local factors should be suspected when these neuropathies present with atypical symptomatology or even when they recur after primary conventional surgical release. Investigation should consider images studies as this correct preoperative assessment leads to successful diagnosis and treatment.