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Published on: May 26, 2023
Idiopathic inflammatory pseudotumor of the carotid sheath
Luciano Farage1, Ana Carolina B S da Motta, David Goldenberg
1The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, The Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD, USA. lucianofarage@ig.com.br
Abstract:
We present a biopsy proven case of 47 years-old man with a carotid pseudotumor, clinically presented as carotidynia. CT showed a mass encasing and narrowing the common carotid artery and MRI showed hypointense signal in T2 and intense enhancement after contrast media administration. The patient was suspected to have an inflammatory process and steroids were prescribed. Eight days after the steroid treatment significant radiological and clinical improvement was observed. The patient remains free of symptoms.
Insights
A rare carotid pseudotumor was diagnosed in a 47-year-old man presenting with carotidynia. Steroid treatment led to significant clinical and radiological improvement, resolving symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Surgery
- Neuroradiology
- Pathology
Background:
- Carotid pseudotumor is a rare condition that can mimic other pathologies of the carotid artery.
- Carotidynia, or pain in the neck over the carotid artery, can be a presenting symptom of carotid pseudotumor.
Observation:
- A 47-year-old male presented with clinical symptoms of carotidynia.
- Imaging revealed a mass encasing and narrowing the common carotid artery, with characteristic MRI signals suggesting an inflammatory process.
- Biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of carotid pseudotumor.
Findings:
- The patient received corticosteroid therapy based on the suspected inflammatory nature of the pseudotumor.
- Within eight days of treatment, significant radiological and clinical improvements were observed.
Implications:
- This case highlights the effectiveness of steroid treatment for symptomatic carotid pseudotumor.
- Early diagnosis and appropriate management can lead to favorable patient outcomes and symptom resolution.
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