Hypothenar hammer syndrome

By
  • Channel Musculoskeletal

Publication date: October 4, 2013 | Updated on January 1, 2014

Report

Diagnosis

Hypothenar hammer syndrome

History

A 29-year-old male, right-handed,car-mechanic worker, complaining of pain and swelling in the hypothenar region

Findings

@1.1 ultrasound showing hypoechogenicareawith doppler ulnar artery flow restriction 

@8.20 Axial T1, @7.20 Axial T2 FS, @3.23 TWIST early image, @3.34 TWIST late image

MRI and angio MR showing complete occlusion of ulnar artery at level of hamate  bone from thrombosed ulnar artery aneurysm; radial artery contributes to blood arterial supply

DDx

Other etiology of ischemia of the hand (thoracic outlet syndrome, arteriosclerosis or thromboangiitis obliterans)

Discussion

DEFINITION

Thrombosed ulnar artery aneurysm of the dominant hand of a manuel worker

 

CHARACTERISTIC CLINICAL FEATURES AND RADIOLOGIC FINDINGS

Most aneurysms of the hand and wrist involve the ulnar artery which is hammered against the hook of the carpal hamate bone in the hypothenar eminence.

Ultrasound and MRI are actually the most accurate methods for diagnosing and locating ulnar artery aneurysms; arteriography is mandatory to document the professional disease.

@12.1 early film ; @13.1 later film.

Arteriography showing complete occlusion of ulnar artery 

References

  1. Anderson SE et al. Imaging features of pseudo anevrysms of the hand in children and adults. AJR:180, March 2003
  2. Blum AG et al. Pathologic conditions of the hypothenar eminence: Evaluation with multidetector CT and MR Imaging RadioGraphics 2006; 26: 1021-1044
  3. Liskutin J, Dorffner R, Resinger M, Silberbauer K, Mostbeck G. Hypothenar hammer syndrome.Eur Radiol. 2000