Hereditary neuropathy with liability to pressure palsies is not a major cause of idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome

Background: Carpal tunnel syndrome is a debilitating neuropathy affecting m illions of individuals. Although there are published reports of familial as sociations of carpal tunnel syndrome, the molecular mechanisms are unknown. Objective: To determine the prevalence and potential role of the chromosome 17 microdeletion associated with hereditary neuropathy with liability to p ressure palsies in patients diagnosed as having carpal tunnel syndrome. Design: Prospective study. Patients and Methods: Since hereditary neuropathy with liability to pressur e palsies may present as carpal tunnel syndrome, we evaluated 50 patients w ith idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome for hereditary neuropathy with liabil ity to pressure palsies. Results: No hereditary neuropathy with liability to pressure palsies deleti ons were detected. Conclusion: Molecular genetic testing for hereditary neuropathy with liabil ity to pressure palsies in patients with idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome is of limited value.