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Septic embolization to the carotid bifurcation presenting as carotidynia
Veronica A Arteaga1, Alik Farber, Willis H Wagner
1Division of Vascular Surgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA.
Insights
Carotidynia, characterized by neck pain and carotid artery tenderness, can stem from various vascular issues. This study details a unique case of carotidynia caused by septic embolization, offering a management strategy.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Vascular Surgery
- Infectious Disease
Background:
- Carotidynia presents as neck pain with carotid artery tenderness.
- Its differential diagnosis includes serious vascular conditions like dissection, aneurysm, occlusion, and arteritis.
Observation:
- This report details the first documented case of carotidynia resulting from septic embolization.
- The embolus specifically affected the carotid bulb.
Findings:
- Septic embolization is identified as a novel cause of carotidynia.
- The case highlights the importance of considering infectious etiologies in carotidynia.
Implications:
- This finding expands the known causes of carotidynia.
- A structured management plan for this specific etiology is proposed, aiding clinical practice.
Abstract:
Carotidynia is a term that is best defined by neck pain associated with tenderness over the carotid artery. The differential diagnosis of this entity is broad and includes vascular disorders such as carotid dissection, aneurysm, occlusion, and arteritis. We describe the first reported case of carotidynia caused by septic embolization to the carotid bulb and offer a logical plan for its management.