Prevalence of persistent median artery in carpal tunnel syndrome: sonographic assessment

Purpose This study investigated the frequency of persistent median artery (PMA) in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and controls. Methods A total of 84 CTS patient wrists, and 136 wrists of control subjects without CTS, were examined on ultrasonography (US) and color Doppler US (CDUS), and by electrophysiological evaluations. The frequency of PMA in CTS was evaluated. Results Of 84 CTS patient wrists, 2 (2.4 %) had a PMA (both on the right side). Of 136 control wrists, 12 (9 %) had a PMA, which was unilateral in eight (three right and five left), and bilateral in two, cases. There was no significant difference between the CTS patient and control groups with respect to the frequency of PMA ( P > 0.05). Conclusions There was no significant difference between the CTS patient and control groups in the frequency of PMA. We suggest that an ipsilateral PMA does not increase the risk of CTS.