LIPOFIBROMATOUS HAMARTOMA OF THE MEDIAN NERVE - CASE-REPORT WITH MAGNETIC-RESONANCE-IMAGING CORRELATION

THE AUTHORS REPORT a case of lipofibromatous hamartoma of the median n erve in a patient who presented with symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrom e. The diagnosis was made by magnetic resonance imaging and confirmed by intraoperative findings and histological diagnosis; distinctive mag netic resonance imaging features of this entity are described. In this patient, surgery was limited to biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and e xternal neural decompression, which helped to stop the progression of the symptoms. In their review of the literature, the authors found fou r types of lipomatous masses in the extremities affecting the function of peripheral nerves, commonly the median nerve, Treatment and the ex tent of surgery differ for each patient, based on the anatomical findi ngs and extent of neurological deficit. The etiology, pathogenesis, di fferential diagnosis, and surgical management of lipofibromatous hamar toma are described.