Carotidynia: symptom or diagnosis?

Tenderness on palpation of the neck in the areas overlying the carotid artery is seen in a number of conditions. When this finding appears to be isolated in a patient presenting with neck pain or sore throat, carotidynia has been used as the diagnosis. This practice has not gained widespread popularity, despite its description originating more than 70 years ago. This article examines the literature on carotidynia and presents the arguments both for and against its use as a distinct diagnosis. Key features of several entities within the differential diagnosis are discussed. In particular, pathology of the carotid artery needs to be ruled out in every patient that presents with the classic picture of carotidynia. We conclude that the term carotidynia is most appropriately used as a symptom, and further evaluation is needed to arrive at a diagnosis.