An uncommon cause for a common complaint.
Infective tenosynovitis is an uncommon cause of a common condition namely carpal tunnel syndrome. Following an extensive review of the literature, we report what we understand to be the first published case of Mycobacterium kansasii (M. kansasii) causing tenosynovitis of flexor tendons resulting in carpal tunnel syndrome in Australia. Our case highlights the need for a high level of suspension, histology and appropriate culture with specific microbiological tests for atypical mycobacteria where tenosynovitis is present at carpal tunnel surgery, even in patients who do not appear to have risk factors.
Victorian Hand Surgery Associates, St. Vincent's Hospital, Fitzroy, Australia. philipparust@hotmail.com
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Bennett
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002349:Carpal Tunnel Syndrome / Q000209:etiology*; D017291:Clarithromycin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004269:DNA, Bacterial / Q000235:genetics; D004977:Ethambutol / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009165:Mycobacterium Infections, Nontuberculous / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy; D019909:Mycobacterium kansasii / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D016273:Occupational Exposure; D012293:Rifampin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D045483:Rivers / Q000382:microbiology; D013717:Tenosynovitis / Q000150:complications / Q000382:microbiology*
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D004269:DNA, Bacterial; D004977:Ethambutol; D017291:Clarithromycin; D012293:Rifampin