Transient idiopathic perivascular inflammation of the carotid artery syndrome (TIPIC syndrome) is a rare variant of non-atherosclerotic arteriopathy

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Transient Idiopathic Perivascular Inflammation of the Carotid artery (TIPIC) or carotidynia is a clinical and radiological syndrome manifested as ipsilateral neck pain and an ipsilateral perivascular infiltrate according to ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging. Due to the low awareness of physicians, this pathology is often mistakenly regarded as dissection or atherosclerosis of the carotid arteries, which leads to additional unnecessary diagnosis and treatment. CLINICAL CASE DESCRIPTION: Here, we present a case of idiopathic carotidynia with a discussion of the diagnostic algorithm and management of patients with unilateral neck pain. CONCLUSION: Timely and competently interpreted ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging studies of arteries is a key link in the diagnosis of carotidynia. The complete regression of symptoms and pathological changes in the arteries without a specific therapy classifies it as a benign variant of non-atherosclerotic arteriopathy.

Keywords

• tipic syndrome
• syndrome of transient idiopathic perivascular inflammation of the carotid artery
• inflammation
• carotid artery
• neck pain