Presentation
Recurrent wrist and hand pain for the past year. CT scan of the hand and wrist is requested for evaluation of osseous structures.
Patient Data
![](https://prod-images-static.radiopaedia.org/images/36158905/b19eab6ac9965216d78f2522ffdb01_big_gallery.jpeg)
Non-contrast CT scan of the wrist and the hand demonstrates focal infiltration and thickening of the first extensor tendon compartment of the wrist. No osseous or articular abnormality is detected.
![](https://prod-images-static.radiopaedia.org/images/36408394/5ce82e16f288fe2bfd4a8039ea8477_big_gallery.jpeg)
Non-contrast CT scan of the wrist and the hand demonstrates focal infiltration and thickening of the first extensor tendon compartment of the wrist (blue arrow).
Case Discussion
This case demonstrates a rare example of de Quervain tenosynovitis diagnosed on a CT scan. US and MRI are the main imaging modalities used to diagnose this entity, whereas plain film can help exclude other possibilities such as fracture, osteomyelitis or trapezio-metacarpal osteoarthritis. CT has limited interest in the workup due to its inferior soft-tissue contrast capabilities compared to US and MRI as well as radiation concerns.