Abstract: Objective To study the clinical features of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) caused by dialysis-related β2 microglobulin amyloidosis, and to evaluate the effectiveness of surgical treatment. Methods A total of 20 cases (male 11 cases, female 9 cases) subjected to operation due to carpal tunnel syndrome during the period from March 2010 to March 2014 were retrospectively studied. They were 58.45±8.95 (46 to 75) years old with the dialysis duration of 18.05±2.60 (14 to 23) years. CTS affected both hands in 16 patients, left hand in 2 patients, and right hand in 2 patients. The mean nerve conduction velocity was 18.1±3.2 m/s and the mean latency was 5.1±1.2 m/s. Operation was done under local axillary nerve block (n=18) or general anesthesia (n= 2). Results Symptoms and strength improved after the surgery in all patients. Nerve conduction velocity recovered gradually. BCTQ score became lower than that before surgery in all patients. Conclusion With the increase of dialysis patients, the incidence of dialysis-related CTS increases. Carpal tunnel release surgery is the effective measure for the treatment of CTS.

Key words: dialysis, carpal tunnel syndrome, amyloidosis, treatment outcome