CT findings in a patient with bilateral metachronous carotidynia

Clin Imaging. 2015 Mar-Apr;39(2):305-7. doi: 10.1016/j.clinimag.2014.12.001. Epub 2014 Dec 9.

Abstract

Carotidynia is a self-limiting, idiopathic clinical syndrome characterized by acute unilateral neck pain and tenderness of the carotid artery. We describe a unique case of bilateral carotidynia that occurred metachronously, with each incident resolving without long-term sequelae. Knowledge of this entity is important to properly interpret the imaging findings and to not mistake this finding as an ill-defined tumor, thus avoiding unnecessary biopsy.

Keywords: CT; Carotidynia; inflammation; neck; pain.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Carotid Arteries / diagnostic imaging
  • Carotid Artery Diseases / diagnostic imaging*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Inflammation / diagnostic imaging
  • Neck / diagnostic imaging
  • Neck Pain / etiology*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed