If you are scheduled for carpal tunnel surgery, you may have an important opportunity to protect your long-term health. Research shows that carpal tunnel syndrome can be an early warning sign of a condition called amyloidosis, which can affect your heart and other vital organs years later.
A simple tissue sample taken during your carpal tunnel surgery could identify this risk early, when treatment is most effective.
What Is Amyloidosis?
Amyloidosis occurs when abnormal proteins called amyloid build up in your body’s tissues and organs. These misfolded proteins can deposit in the heart, kidneys, nerves and other organs, interfering with their normal function.
When amyloid accumulates in the heart, it causes the heart walls to stiffen, making it difficult for the heart to pump blood effectively. This can lead to heart failure.
Interestingly, similar protein misfolding is also involved in Alzheimer’s disease, where amyloid beta proteins accumulate in the brain. While different types of amyloid proteins are involved, both conditions share this underlying mechanism of abnormal protein deposits.
The Carpal Tunnel Connection
Research has revealed a significant connection: 10 to 30 percent of patients over age 50 with carpal tunnel syndrome may have undiagnosed amyloidosis.
The amyloid deposits appear in the tissue surrounding the tendons in the wrist years before affecting major organs like the heart. Studies show that carpal tunnel syndrome precedes a diagnosis of cardiac amyloidosis by an average of five years.
This means carpal tunnel surgery offers a unique window of opportunity. A small tissue sample (biopsy) taken during your procedure can be tested for amyloid deposits, potentially identifying the condition years before serious organ damage occurs.
Are You at Higher Risk?
Certain factors increase the likelihood that your carpal tunnel syndrome may be related to amyloidosis. Consider discussing a biopsy with your surgeon if you have carpal tunnel syndrome AND any of the following:
- Strongest indicators: Heart failure, irregular heartbeat (atrial fibrillation or flutter) or a pacemaker
- Additional risk factors: Carpal tunnel in both wrists, lumbar spinal stenosis (lower back narrowing), sleep apnea, aortic valve stenosis, shortness of breath, swelling in legs or feet or a family history of heart disease
- Demographic factors: Males or females age 50 or older (particularly 60+) and of African American heritage
- Other associated conditions: Trigger finger, peripheral neuropathy (tingling/numbness), unexplained weight loss, digestive problems, dizziness or diabetes
A Closer Look at the Biopsy Procedure
If you and your surgeon decide a biopsy is the right choice, you might wonder what the process involves. The good news is that the procedure is a simple, quick extra step during your carpal tunnel surgery.
Your surgeon will be happy to discuss the tenosynovial tissue biopsy with you. The biopsy does not require any additional anesthesia or incisions.
This straightforward step can provide crucial information about your future health without any additional burden on you as the patient.
Why Early Detection Can Save Your Life
New medications like tafamidis can slow or prevent amyloid from depositing in the heart and other organs. These treatments work best when started early, before significant organ damage has occurred.
By identifying amyloidosis through a biopsy during carpal tunnel surgery, you may be able to start treatment years before symptoms of heart disease appear, potentially preventing serious complications.
What to Ask Your Surgeon
If you have any of the risk factors listed above, consider asking your surgeon these questions before your carpal tunnel procedure:
- Based on my age and health history, am I a candidate for a tenosynovial biopsy during my surgery?
- What does the biopsy involve, and are there any additional risks?
- If amyloid is found, what are the next steps for further evaluation and treatment?
- Should I see a cardiologist or other specialist for additional screening?
Take Action for Your Health
Don’t wait until heart symptoms appear. If you have carpal tunnel syndrome and any of the risk factors described above, talk to your surgeon about whether a tissue biopsy during your procedure could help protect your future health.
Early detection through this simple step during a surgery you’re already having could make a life-saving difference.
