Transient perivascular inflammation of the carotid artery (TIPIC) syndrome – a case report

Background Transient perivascular inflammation of the carotid artery (TIPIC) syndrome is a rare, benign cause of acute neck pain often misdiagnosed as more serious vascular pathologies. Case Presentation: A 40-year-old male presented with a one-week history of acute, left-sided neck pain radiating to the jaw and shoulder. Physical examination identified focal tenderness over the left carotid bulb (positive Fay sign). Multimodal imaging, including ultrasound (US) and CT Angiography (CTA), demonstrated characteristic eccentric perivascular infiltration (PVI) and a transient soft intimal plaque. Symptoms resolved within 14 days following treatment with a corticosteroid and muscle relaxant. Conclusion Early clinico-radiologic recognition of TIPIC is vital to avoid unnecessary anticoagulation or invasive workups for vascular mimics.