Multimodal imaging features of transient perivascular inflammation of the carotid artery (TIPIC) syndrome in a patient with Covid-19

Abstract

We report the case of a 38-year-old man with transient perivascular inflammation of the carotid artery syndrome that occurred in the course of covid-19. We describe for the first-time multimodal imaging features of the perivascular changes surrounding the carotid artery, and long-term follow-up by ultrasound. The imaging features observed on ultrasound, angiography-CT, MRI and FDG-Pet scan support the hypothesis of the inflammatory nature of the perivascular tissue thickening. The ultrasound follow-up confirmed the spontaneous resolution of the lesion, leaving on site some residual changes as sequelae. The good knowledge of the imaging features reported herein helps to recognize this entity in patients with covid-19.

Keywords

• TIPIC syndrome
• Carotidynia
• Covid-19
• Neck pain
• Perivascular inflammation