Carotidynia—A valid cause of unilateral neck pain

Abstract

Carotidynia is an unusual cause of unilateral neck pain which may be due to inflammation of the carotid artery wall. Its existence as a distinct clinical entity has been questioned due to inappropriate use of the term and a previous lack of confirmatory tests, including imaging, to support a clinical diagnosis of exclusion. We present a case of carotidynia with ultrasound and MR imaging in a patient who presented with a pericardial effusion. We suggest that carotidynia is a valid diagnostic entity and that imaging may be incorporated into any future diagnostic criteria.