Carotidynia-A Rare Cause of Anterior Neck Pain: Case Report

Carotidynia is a rare, often under-diagnosed condition characterized by idiopathic inflammation around the carotid artery, presenting with unilateral neck pain that typically resolves within two weeks.

A 32-year-old male presented with intermittent right anterior neck pain for two years, with no other associated symptoms. Computed tomography revealed carotid perivascular inflammation, consistent with carotidynia.

Although self-limited, carotidynia should be considered in patients with unexplained neck pain, as its recognition is crucial to differentiate it from more serious conditions and to avoid mismanagement or unnecessary interventions.