# Carotidynia—A Rare Cause of Anterior Neck Pain: Case Report

## TL;DR

This case report describes a rare condition called carotidynia that causes anterior neck pain and is often misdiagnosed.

## Contribution

The report highlights the importance of recognizing carotidynia to avoid unnecessary interventions in patients with unexplained neck pain.

## Key findings

- Carotidynia presents as unilateral anterior neck pain lasting up to two weeks.
- Computed tomography can reveal carotid perivascular inflammation consistent with carotidynia.
- Early recognition of carotidynia is crucial to avoid mismanagement and unnecessary interventions.

## Abstract

Carotidynia is a rare, often under-diagnosed condition characterized by idiopathic inflammation around the carotid artery, presenting with unilateral neck pain that typically resolves within two weeks.

A 32-year-old male presented with intermittent right anterior neck pain for two years, with no other associated symptoms. Computed tomography revealed carotid perivascular inflammation, consistent with carotidynia.

Although self-limited, carotidynia should be considered in patients with unexplained neck pain, as its recognition is crucial to differentiate it from more serious conditions and to avoid mismanagement or unnecessary interventions.