Abstract
INTRODUCTION & IMPORTANCE: Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common neuropathy in the world and is caused by compression of the median nerve. It has many known risk factors, including hemodialysis and a persistent median artery (PMA), which can be an incidental finding during carpal tunnel release (CTR). CASE PRESENTATION: A 65-year-old woman with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) on dialysis for seven months presented with typical signs and symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. Nerve conduction studies (NCS) displayed severe neuropathy. Upon carpal tunnel release (CTR) a rare superficial non-calcified persistent median artery critical to the circulation of the hand was found. The patient's symptoms resolved completely within four weeks of the operation. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: The PMA is a relatively common anomaly and could cause carpal tunnel syndrome by: directly pressing the median nerve, thrombosing, or in the setting of an aneurysm. Although usually found deep to the flexor retinaculum, the PMA could also be found superficially. It can be critical to the blood supply of the hand and should therefore be dealt with carefully. CONCLUSION: Surgeons should be aware of the possibility of finding a PMA when performing CTR. The PMA could be deep or superficial to the transverse carpal ligament. Where possible, the PMA should be preserved. Especially if its contributions to the blood supply of the hand are undetermined.