Rationale: Compressive radial neuropathy by a synovial cyst in the radial tunnel during pregnancy is a rare occurrence. The management of radial nerve compression caused by a synovial cyst in a pregnant patient is a surgical dilemma owing to the fetal and maternal risks of treatment.
Patient concerns and diagnosis: A 37-year-old pregnant woman presented with progressive forearm pain at the gestational age of 12 weeks. A cyst was identified via musculoskeletal ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging examinations in the radiocapitellar joint causing radial compressive neuropathy.
Interventions: After regional nerve block and surgical removal of the cyst, the patient's forearm pain was alleviated without neurological deficits.
Outcome: symptoms from nerve compression were improved after surgical treatment LESSONS:: This report illustrates the case of a pregnant woman presenting a compressive neuropathy by an enlarged cyst possibly due to the unbalance of growth factors during pregnancy. With proper diagnosis and timely surgical intervention, such patients can achieve good neurologic recovery without maternal or fetal complications.