B AC K G R O U N D To describe the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). M ET H O D S Study included 44 patients with CTS and 18 healthy volunteers. Axial and coronal T1, T2 weighted images were obtained by 1.5 T MR scanner and diameter of median nerve, palmar bowing of flexor retinaculum, flattening of median nerve, increased signal intensity in median nerve, flexor tenosynovitis, loss of deep palmar fat and deep palmar bursitis were evaluated. R E S U LT S Magnetic resonance imaging findings of 74 wrists with CTS and 36 normal wrists were compared. Statistically significant differences were detected between two groups for median nerve swelling, increased palmar bowing of flexor retinaculum, increased signal intensity in median nerve and decreased deep palmar fat. CO N C L U S I O N S Morphological changes in the wrist detected by MRI can be helpful in the diagnosis of CTS.