The Thyrohyoid Syndrome: Promoting Awareness with a Case Report and Systematic Review of the Literature

Neck pain is commonly referred to an ENT specialist and can be caused by the little-known inflammatory condition of the lateral thyrohyoid ligament. The pathophysiology of this condition is believed to be inflammation subsequent to over-exertion or cervical trauma. Typically, patients present with chronic unilateral neck pain. Elicitation of localized tenderness over the axis of the lateral thyrohyoid ligament on palpation is a key finding for its diagnosis. We present an unusual case with an acute course and subcutaneous inflammation and discuss its management in an effort to raise awareness for this often-misdiagnosed syndrome.

A systematic literature research on PubMed was performed selecting patients with a definitive diagnosis of thyrohyoid syndrome or lateral thyrohyoid ligament syndrome.

We collected 54 cases from three studies. This condition is an important differential diagnosis for acute or chronic antero-lateral or unilateral neck pain.

No specific radiological findings are defined and a CT scan is therefore not necessary for its diagnosis, but ultrasound is a useful tool to primarily assess any neck lesion. Once the diagnosis is made, a local infiltration of steroids is the most sustainable treatment option and relapse prevention.