Ulnar Tunnel Syndrome Caused by Neurofibroma in the Elbow: A Case Report

Abstract

Purpose: compression of the ulnar nerve at the elbow is the second nerve entrapment syndrome of the upper limb, often idiopathic, neurofibroma of the ulnar nerve is an exceptional cause of this syndrome. Case Report: A 55-year-old man presented with progressive numbness and weakness of the right ring finger and the right little finger for one year. A provisional diagnosis of cubital tunnel syndrome was made according to physical examination and electrophysiological studies. The magnetic resonance imaging showed a nodular lesions over ulnar aspect of the right elbow, which was demonstrated to be a neurofibroma by histopathology. The patient had moderate improvement after surgical decompression of the right cubital tunnel. Conclusion: This case illustrates the heterogeneous group of pathologies causing peripheral neuropathy. The diagnosis of ulnar nerve neurofibroma with ulnar tunnel syndrome was made carefully according to clinical manifestations as well as a series of electrophysiological, imaging, and pathological studies.