[18F] Fluorodeoxyglucose positron-emission tomography-CT imaging of carotidynia

Carotidynia is an idiopathic syndrome characterized by pain over the carotid bifurcation without associated luminal pathologic process. The classification of carotidynia as a distinct disease rather than as a symptom has generated controversy in the literature. Recent reports, however, suggest that carotidynia is a distinct disease characterized by the presence of enhancing soft tissue in the carotid sheath. We describe findings of carotidynia on positron-emission tomography and CT that further support the classification of carotidynia as a distinct inflammatory disease.