Abstract:

Objective To investigate the clinical manifestations and imaging features of transient perivascular inflammation of the carotid artery (TIPIC) syndrome, and to estimate the clinical application value of ultrasonography in its diagnosis. Methods Clinical datas of 1 patient with TIPIC syndrome were retrospectively analyzed, and relevant literatures were reviewed. Results A 42-year-old woman presented with neck pain for three days. The ultrasound examination showed local thickening from the left carotid bifurcation to the anterior and medial walls of the internal carotid artery, with an unclear margin with surrounding tissues and visible blood flow signals in the left carotid artery, indicating TIPIC syndrome. The condition was improved by aspirin treatment. Two months later, the ultrasound scans showed that the carotid artery lesions basically disappeared. Conclusion TIPIC syndrome is a rare and newly named disease. The clinical manifestations of TIPIC syndrome are mostly unilateral neck pain with or without radiation to the head, which are non-specific leading to a high risk of misdiagnosis. Ultrasound examination is ofgreat significance in the diagnosis of TIPIC, visualizing the morphological and hemodynamic changes in the affectedcarotid artery, as well as the extent and blood supply of the lesion. It may be apreferred imaging examination in the diagnosis and prognosis of TIPIC.

Key words: arteritis, neck pain, ultrasonography, tansient perivascular inflammation of the carotid artery, carotid arteries