The carpal tunnel syndrome in hypertensive patients treated with beta-blockers

We report the development of the carpal tunnel syndrome in 3 hypertensive men (aged 46-58) treated with beta-blockers (propranolol in two patients and metoprolol in the 3rd) for 8-11 years. Known causes of carpal tunnel syndrome were excluded in each case. Withdrawal of the beta-blocker was followed by complete resolution of symptoms and signs after a period of 8-10 weeks. No evidence of recurrence could be detected during follow-up of 7-18 months. The possible mechanisms of drug-induced carpal tunnel syndrome are briefly discussed.