Pulsatile Tinnitus Due to a Large Mastoid Emissary Vein: Successfully Managed with Percutaneous Embolization in a Novel Approach.

Tinnitus refers to the perception of sound without any external stimuli which can be pulsatile or non-pulsatile. Dilated mastoid emissary vein (MEV) can cause pulsatile tinnitus. Herein, we report a case of persistent pulsatile tinnitus with dilated MEV managed successfully with percutaneous coiling of MEV in a 36 years male.

Novel technique utilizing polymethylmethacrylate cement for the treatment of pulsatile tinnitus caused by different sigmoid sinus pathologies.

PURPOSE: Sigmoid sinus anomalies such as dehiscence or diverticula may present with pulsatile tinnitus (PT) and low-frequency hearing loss. Occasionally, these symptoms are severe, necessitating resurfacing of the affected area to restore a normal-appearing sinus wall. This study describes three cases wherein we managed PT attributed to sigmoid sinus anomalies using polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) bone cement, a novel material. METHODS: Three patients with PT without any history of illnesses initially underwent cortical mastoidectomy to expose the affected area and resurface the sinus wall. Subsequently, PMMA bone cement was used to reconstruct any bony defects causing PT symptoms. Viscosity of the bone cement was altered based on specific characteristics and causes of the affected area. Additionally, we performed the water occlusion test (WOT), audiological assessment, the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory score (THI), and temporal computed tomography, both pre- and postoperatively, to assess the extent of PT. RESULTS: Preoperatively, all three patients had tinnitus that dissipated with pressure on the neck and the water occlusion test (WOT), with no reported vertigo, trauma, or ear infections. Moreover, all three cases had a severe handicap according to the THI. In contrast, all cases had reduced PT and a significantly decreased THI score postoperatively, as well as no recurrence or complications and no instances of increased intracranial hypertension at the 12-month follow-up. CONCLUSION: All cases showed promising results, emphasizing the sustained benefits of this novel intervention for the management of PT.

Venous sinus diverticulum in patients with pulsatile tinnitus: An acquired lesion.

BACKGROUND: The etiopathogenesis of venous sinus diverticulum is controversial. Conflicting evidence has been published suggesting that venous sinus diverticulum is either a congenital or acquired lesion. METHODS: This is a case report of a single individual followed for 17 years within a single healthcare system. RESULTS: An early middle-aged woman presented with unilateral pulsatile tinnitus, vertigo, and decreased hearing. Initial imaging was unrevealing. Interval imaging after 13 years revealed the development of an ipsilateral venous sinus diverticulum. The patient was treated via endovascular stenting and coiling of the lesion with complete resolution of symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrate that a venous sinus diverticulum in a patient with pulsatile tinnitus is an acquired lesion. Further research is warranted to better elucidate the precise etiology and pathophysiology of acquired venous sinus diverticulum, potentially guiding management strategies.

Persistent Stapedial Artery in Adhesive Otitis Media: A Case Report.

A persistent stapedial artery (PSA) is a rare embryologic remnant that typically involutes at week 10 of embryogenesis. However, if it is persistent, it may lead to conductive hearing loss and pulsatile tinnitus. It is of utmost importance to identify such an anomaly, as it leads to serious complications intraoperatively if overlooked. Proper clinical and radiological assessment helps an otologist recognize the PSA. We describe the case of a 24-year-old female presenting with a chronically discharging ear in addition to pulsatile tinnitus and conductive hearing loss with an incidental finding of a PSA upon otoscopy.

Interactive effect of hemodynamics in transverse sigmoid sinus and bone morphology on venous pulsatile tinnitus: a four-dimensional (4D) flow magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) study.

Background: The hemodynamic pathogenesis of venous pulsatile tinnitus (VPT) is still unclear. This study aimed to explore the mechanism of bone morphology and hemodynamic changes in transverse sigmoid sinus (TSS) on VPT patients. Methods: 49 patients with unilateral VPT, 26 patients with subjective tinnitus and 36 healthy controls were included in this retrospective clinical trial. Four-dimensional (4D) flow magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to evaluate the hemodynamics of the TSS. High-resolution computed tomography was used to assess the perivenous bone structures. All images were independently assessed for each participant by two trained neuroradiologists. Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was used to determine the normal distribution of the data. Chi-square test and nonparametric test were used to compare classified or continuous variables. Stepwise linear regression and mediation effect analysis was used to explore the relationship between bone dehiscence (BD), hemodynamic factors and VPT symptoms. Results: Peak velocity (P=0.001) and maximum energy loss (P=0.041) in VPT group were risk factors for the severity of tinnitus. Energy loss [indirect effect =0.692, P<0.005, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.201-1.377] and peak velocity (indirect effect =0.899, P<0.005, 95% CI: 0.406-1.582) demonstrated the complete mediation effect between the BD and VPT. BD showed a complete mediation effect between the wall shear stress (WSS) and VPT (indirect effect =15.181, P<0.005, 95% CI: 3.448-35.493). Conclusions: Cross-talk between the hemodynamic changes of TSS and BD can regulate the VPT symptoms. This type of analysis might be helpful in establishing the possible occurrence and development mechanism of the hemodynamics and bone morphology of the VPT.

Outcomes of Pulsatile Tinnitus After Cerebral Venous Sinus Stenting: Systematic Review and Pooled Analysis of 616 Patients.

BACKGROUND: Pulsatile tinnitus (PT) is a debilitating condition with substantial morbidity related to quality of life. Cerebral venous sinus stenosis has recently emerged as a noninfrequent cause of PT, either in the setting of concurrent idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) or due to primary venous stenosis. Venous sinus stenting (VSS) is an endovascular technique that can be used to treat venous stenosis. However, it is unclear if outcomes are different between patients with primary venogenic PT and IIH associated PT. METHODS: A systematic literature review and pooled analysis was completed to evaluate the clinical outcomes of PT in patients undergoing cerebral VSS. Outcome measures included: Improved PT, complete resolution of PT, and PT recurrence at follow-up. Subgroup analysis between patients with IIH and primary PT was completed. RESULTS: In total, 28 studies were identified with 616 patients. The proportion of improved PT symptoms after VSS had an overall pooled rate of 91.7% (confidence interval [CI]:88.1%-95.2%; I2 = 65%) and no difference between subgroups (P = 0.12). Complete resolution after VSS had an overall pooled rate of 88.6% (CI: 84.0%-93.3%; I2 = 68%) and no significant difference between subgroups (P = 0.35). Recurrent PT after stenting occurred in 6.5% of cases (CI: 1.7%-11.3%; I2 = 62%). Furthermore, subgroup analysis demonstrated that IIH patients had a significantly higher recurrence rate (10.6%; CI: 5.2%-16.1%; I2 = 26%) compared to patients treated with venous stenting for PT as the primary indication (2.0%; CI: 0.8%-4.7%; I2 = 0%) (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Venous stenting in patients with PT results in a substantial decrease and often complete resolution of symptoms. PT is more likely to recur in patients with IIH-associated PT.

Beyond the Buzz: Cortical and subcortical brain changes in patients with pulsatile tinnitus.

Pulsatile tinnitus (PT) can be a debilitating condition characterized by rhythmic, heartbeat-synchronous sounds, which can severely impact patients' quality of life. Understanding the neuroanatomical changes in PT patients may provide critical insights into the impacts of this condition. This study aimed to investigate potential differences in cortical and subcortical brain volume between adults with PT and age-matched controls (60 to 70 years of age). A retrospective, cross-sectional analysis of imaging and medical records was conducted, with data collected from January 2015 to December 2021. The study was conducted in a tertiary referral center with a specialized tinnitus clinic. A total of 135 adults diagnosed with PT and 135 age-matched controls were included. All participants were screened for PT and relevant medical history, with consecutive sampling used for selection. Cortical and subcortical brain volume differences between PT patients and controls were measured using Freesurfer. PT patients (n = 79, after exclusion of patients with inadequate imaging data) exhibited significant decreases in cortical thickness in the anterior cingulate and entorhinal cortex, and decreased volume in the left putamen, compared to age-matched controls (n = 135). PT patients also demonstrated significant increased volume in frontal and occipital lobe structures, the cerebellum, hippocampi, and ventral pallidum. In conclusion, our findings suggest that individuals with PT may have structural differences in brain regions related to auditory processing, and depression, which provides additional evidence of the psychiatric sequalae of PT. These findings demonstrate that there are neuroanatomical alterations in patients with PT, emphasizing the value in evaluating and treating this disease to prevent these neuroanatomical differences from developing.

[Surgical technique and effect of the pulsatile tinnitus associated with sigmoid sinus on the dominant side of reflux].

Objective:To explore the effect of surgical treatment of the pulsatile tinnitus associated with sigmoid sinus on the dominant side of reflux. Methods:The clinical data of 43 patients with reflux dominant side pulsating tinnitus admitted by the same doctor from 2017 to 2023 were retrospectively studied to observe the curative effect of surgical treatment. Operation method: The sound insulation barrier was established by repair technique of bone wall defect of sigmoid sinus with "capping method", without changing the blood flow and blood vessel wall of sigmoid sinus. Results:No surgical complications occurred in all patients. During the follow-up period of 3 months to 6.9 years, 14 patients（32.6%） were cured, 18 patients（41.9%） were significantly effective, 4 patients（9.3%） were effective, and 7 patients（16.3%） were ineffective. The difference of tinnitus grade before and after surgery was statistically significant. Conclusion:In this group of cases, the sound insulation barrier was established by "capping method" technique of repairing bone wall defect of sigmoid sinus, which effectively avoided the disturbance of hemorheology status and vascular wall, thus avoiding the risk of venous wall stenosis and thrombosis on the dominant reflux side. The surgical method was easy to master, and the curative effect was significant, which was worthy of clinical promotion.

Flow Analysis of Central Venous Outflow Tract: A New Approach to Understanding Pulse-Synchronous Tinnitus.

OBJECTIVE: Pulse-synchronous tinnitus (PST) has been linked to multiple anatomical variants of the central venous outflow tract (CVOT) including sigmoid sinus (SS) dehiscence and diverticulum. This study investigates flow turbulence, pressure, and wall shear stress along the CVOT and proposes a mechanism that results in SS dehiscence and PST. STUDY DESIGN: Case series. SETTING: Tertiary Academic Center. METHODS: Venous models were reconstructed from computed tomography scans of 3 patients with unilateral PST. Two models for each patient are obtained: a symptomatic and contralateral asymptomatic side. A turbulent model-enabled commercial flow solver was used to simulate the pulsatile blood flow over the cardiac cycle through the models. Fluid flow through the transverse and SS junction was analyzed to observe the velocity, pressure, turbulent kinetic energy (TKE), and shear stress over a simulated cardiac cycle. RESULTS: Fluid flow on the symptomatic side showed increased vorticity in the presence of an SS diverticulum. Higher TKE with periodicity following the cardiac cycle was observed on the symptomatic side, and a sharp increase was observed if SS diverticulum was present. Shear stress was highest near the narrowest segments of the vessel. Pressure was observed to be lower on the symptomatic side at the transverse-SS junction for all 3 patients. CONCLUSION: Computational fluid dynamics modeling of blood flow through the CVOT in PST suggests that low pressure may be the cause of dehiscence, and tinnitus may result from periodic increases in TKE.

What should otolaryngologists know about dural venous sinus stenting?

Dural venous sinus stenting is an emerging and exciting area in otolaryngology in collaboration with neurosurgeons and neuroradiologists. The first cases were reported 20 years ago. It is now considered part of the routine treatment of increased intracranial pressure due to transverse sinus stenosis. ENT doctors are the first to see these patients in their clinics, as sinus headaches, pulsating tinnitus, and dizziness are the most common symptoms. Previously, with limited success, high-dose diuretics and intracranial shunts had been the only options for treating these patients. Other methods, such as covering the sigmoid sinuses with graft material, appear to cause a sudden increase in intracranial pressure that can lead to blindness and even death. This overview summarizes the clinical and imaging characteristics of patients who will benefit from endovascular sinus stenting for elevated intracranial pressure.

The Effect of Transverse Sinus Stenosis Caused by Arachnoid Granulation on Patients with Venous Pulsatile Tinnitus: A Multiphysics Interaction Simulation Investigation.

This study aimed to investigate the effect of the transverse sinus (TS) stenosis (TSS) position caused by arachnoid granulation on patients with venous pulsatile tinnitus (VPT) and to further identify the types of TSS that are of therapeutic significance for patients. Multiphysics interaction models of six patients with moderate TSS caused by arachnoid granulation and virtual stent placement in TSS were reconstructed, including three patients with TSS located in the middle segment of the TS (group 1) and three patients with TTS in the middle and proximal involvement segment of the TS (group 2). The transient multiphysics interaction simulation method was applied to elucidate the differences in biomechanical and acoustic parameters between the two groups. The results revealed that the blood flow pattern at the TS and sigmoid sinus junction was significantly changed depending on the stenosis position. Preoperative patients had increased blood flow in the TSS region and TSS downstream where the blood flow impacted the vessel wall. In group 1, the postoperative blood flow pattern, average wall pressure, vessel wall vibration, and sound pressure level of the three patients were comparable to the preoperative state. However, the postoperative blood flow velocity decreased in group 2. The postoperative average wall pressure, vessel wall vibration, and sound pressure level of the three patients were significantly improved compared with the preoperative state. Intravascular intervention therapy should be considered for patients with moderate TSS caused by arachnoid granulations in the middle and proximal involvement segment of the TS. TSS might not be considered the cause of VPT symptoms in patients with moderate TSS caused by arachnoid granulation in the middle segment of the TS.

Endovascular stenting using a sagittal sinus approach for sigmoid sinus wall dehiscence related to intractable pulsatile tinnitus: a case series.

BACKGROUND: Sigmoid sinus wall dehiscence can lead to pulsatile tinnitus with a significant decrease in quality of life, occasionally leading to psychiatric disorders. Several surgical and endovascular procedures have been described for resolving dehiscence. Within endovascular procedures, the sagittal sinus approach could be a technical alternative for tracking and accurate stent positioning within the sigmoid sinus when the jugular bulb anatomy is unfavorable. CASE PRESENTATION: A retrospective case series of three patients with pulsatile tinnitus due to sigmoid sinus wall dehiscence without intracranial hypertension was reviewed from January 2018 to January 2022. From the participants enrolled, the median age was 50.3 years (range 43-63), with 67% self-identifying as female and 33% as male. They self-identified as Hispanic. Sigmoid sinus dehiscence was diagnosed using angiotomography, and contralateral transverse sinus stenosis was observed in all patients. Patients underwent surgery via a navigated endovascular sagittal sinus approach for sigmoid sinus stenting. No neurological complications were associated with the procedure. Pulsatile tinnitus improved after the procedure in all patients. CONCLUSIONS: Superior sagittal sinus resection for sigmoid sinus wall stenting is a safe and effective technique. Pulsatile tinnitus due to sigmoid sinus wall dehiscence could be treated using the endovascular resurfacing stenting technique. However, further research is needed to evaluate the potential benefit of contralateral stenting for removing sinus dehiscence when venous stenosis is detected. However, resurfacing sigmoid sinus wall dehiscence results in symptomatic improvement.

Pulsatile Tinnitus: Differential Diagnosis and Approach to Management.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The purpose of this review is to provide an updated approach to the evaluation and management of pulsatile tinnitus (PT), an uncommon but often treatable subtype of tinnitus. RECENT FINDINGS: Secondary PT can be due to either vascular or non-vascular etiologies, including, but not limited to: neoplasm, arteriovenous malformation or fistula, idiopathic intracranial hypertension, dural venous sinus stenosis, otoacoustic etiologies (e.g., otosclerosis, patulous eustachian tube) and bony defects (e.g., superior semicircular canal dehiscence). Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) imaging have comparable diagnostic yield, though each may be more sensitive to specific etiologies. If initial vascular imaging is negative and a vascular etiology is strongly suspected, digital subtraction angiography (DSA) may further aid in the diagnosis. Many vascular etiologies of PT can be managed endovascularly, often leading to PT improvement or resolution. Notably, venous sinus stenting is an emerging therapy for PT secondary to idiopathic intracranial hypertension with venous sinus stenosis. Careful history and physical exam can help establish the differential diagnosis for PT and guide subsequent evaluation and management. Additional studies on the efficacy and long-term outcome of venous sinus stenting for venous stenosis are warranted.

Occipital venous sinus stenting for idiopathic intracranial hypertension and pulsatile tinnitus: A case series.

Venous sinus stenting for dural venous sinus outflow obstruction due to an intrinsic filling obstruction or extrinsic stenosis is an increasingly popular treatment strategy for idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) and isolated pulsatile tinnitus (PT). The most common site of stenosis is the lateral venous sinus at the transverse-sigmoid junction. Approximately 10% of the population has a persistent occipital venous sinus (OVS), a variant that may be the dominant venous drainage pathway in the setting of a hypoplastic or aplastic transverse sinus. OVS stenosis has been rarely associated with IIH and isolated PT with only a handful published cases. We herein report a retrospective series of OVS stenting in five patients, four of whom presented with non-IIH PT and one with IIH.

Causes of Pulsatile Tinnitus and Treatment Options.

Pulsatile tinnitus (PT) requires detailed workup to evaluate for an underlying structural cause. With advances in neuroimaging, structural venous abnormalities that can cause PT have becoming increasingly recognized. A number of anomalies, including dural arteriovenous fistulas, idiopathic intracranial hypertension, transverse sinus stenosis, sigmoid sinus wall abnormalities, jugular venous anomalies, and hypertrophied emissary veins, have been implicated in flow disruption and turbulence in the vicinity of auditory structures, resulting in PT. Endovascular treatment options, including stenting, coiling, and embolization with liquid agents, have demonstrated high efficacy and safety. These treatments can lead to symptomatic relief in carefully selected cases.

Sigmoid Sinus Wall Anomalies Can Progress and May Not Be Congenital.

OBJECTIVE: Sigmoid sinus wall anomalies (SSWA) are closely linked to venous pulsatile tinnitus (PT). This study aims to demonstrate that SSWA develops progressively rather than being congenital. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 42 PT patients with SSWA who had at least two non-operative CT scans at our clinic. CT images were longitudinally assessed to track SSWA progression, while MRI and Doppler ultrasound evaluated transverse sinus stenosis and venous hemodynamics. Changes in PT perception were tracked using the tinnitus handicap inventory (THI) questionnaire. RESULTS: Among the 42 SSWA patients, 12 (28.6%) exhibited progression. Anastomosis between diploic vein and diverticulum was significantly higher compared to the dehiscence cohort (p < 0.01). Within the diverticulum group, seven individuals (30.4%) experienced enlargement, with a mean diverticular wall expansion of 5.9% ± 11.4%. Progressive erosion was observed in two cases (12.5%) in the dehiscence cohort, with a mean sigmoid plate erosion of 3.8% ± 10.1%. In cases progressing from dehiscence to diverticulum, three subjects transitioned, with a mean sigmoid sinus wall length expansion of 43.8% ± 31.9%. SSWA progression showed a significant negative correlation with QBILATERAL (r = -0.857, p = 0.014), and there was a significant difference between initial and revisit THI scores (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: SSWA can undergo morphological progression, indicating it is a progressive clinical condition rather than congenital. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Laryngoscope, 134:4707-4715, 2024.

Foundations of the Diagnosis and Management of Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension and Pulsatile Tinnitus.

Venous sinus stenosis has garnered increasing academic attention as a potential etiology of idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) and pulsatile tinnitus (PT). The complex anatomy of the cerebral venous sinuses and veins plays a crucial role in the pathophysiology of these conditions. Venous sinus stenosis, often found in the superior sagittal or transverse sinus, can lead to elevated intracranial pressure (ICP) and characteristic IIH symptoms. Stenosis, variations in dural venous anatomy, and flow dominance patterns contribute to aberrant flow and subsequent PT. Accurate imaging plays a vital role in diagnosis, and magnetic resonance (MR) venography is particularly useful for detecting stenosis. Management strategies for IIH and PT focus on treating the underlying disease, weight management, medical interventions, and, in severe cases, surgical or endovascular procedures. Recently, venous sinus stenting has gained interest as a minimally invasive treatment option for IIH and PT. Stenting addresses venous sinus stenosis, breaking the feedback loop between elevated ICP and stenosis, thus reducing ICP and promoting cerebrospinal fluid outflow. The correction and resolution of flow aberrances can also mitigate or resolve PT symptoms. While venous sinus stenting remains an emerging field, initial results are promising. Further research is needed to refine patient selection criteria and evaluate the long-term efficacy of stenting as compared to traditional treatments.

Challenges in the use of Venous Sinus Stenting in the Treatment of Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension and Pulsatile Tinnitus.

Although numerous case series and meta-analyses have shown the efficacy of venous sinus stenting (VSS) in the treatment of idiopathic intracranial hypertension and idiopathic intracranial hypertension-associated pulsatile tinnitus, there remain numerous challenges to be resolved. There is no widespread agreement on candidacy; pressure gradient and failed medical treatment are common indications, but not all clinicians require medical refractoriness as a criterion. Venous manometry, venography, and cerebral angiography are essential tools for patient assessment, but again disagreements exist regarding the best, or most appropriate, diagnostic imaging choice. Challenges with the VSS technique also exist, such as stent choice and deployment. There are considerations regarding postprocedural balloon angioplasty and pharmacologic treatment, but there is insufficient evidence to formalize postoperative decision making. Although complications of VSS are relatively rare, they include in-stent stenosis, hemorrhage, and subdural hematoma, and the learning curve for VSS presents specific challenges in navigating venous anatomy, emphasizing the need for wider availability of high-quality training. Recurrence of symptoms, particularly stent-adjacent stenosis, poses challenges, and although restenting and cerebrospinal fluid-diverting procedures are options, there is a need for clearer criteria for retreatment strategies. Despite these challenges, when comparing VSS with traditional cerebrospinal fluid-diverting procedures, VSS emerges as a favorable option, with strong clinical outcomes, lower complication rates, and cost-effectiveness. Further research is necessary to refine techniques and indications and address specific aspects of VSS to overcome these challenges.

Future Directions and Innovations in Venous Sinus Stenting.

This review explores the future role of venous sinus stenting (VSS) in the management of idiopathic intracranial hypertension and pulsatile tinnitus. Despite its favorable safety profile and clinical outcomes compared with traditional treatments, VSS is not yet the standard of care for these conditions, lacking high-level evidence data and guidelines for patient selection and indications. Current and recently completed clinical trials are expected to provide data to support the adoption of VSS as a primary treatment option. Additionally, VSS shows potential in treating other conditions, such as dural arteriovenous fistula and cerebral venous sinus thrombosis, and it is likely that the procedure will continue to see an expansion of its approved indications. The current lack of dedicated venous stenting technology is being addressed with promising advancements, which may improve procedural ease and patient outcomes. VSS also offers potential for expansion into modulation of brain electrophysiology via endovascular routes, offering exciting possibilities for neurodiagnostics and treatment of neurodegenerative disorders.

Surgical Management of Pulsatile Tinnitus due to Sigmoid Sinus Diverticulum and Dehiscence - A Technical Note.

Pulsatile tinnitus (PT) is the perception of an auditory sensation without an external source and in synchrony with the heartbeat. One of the most common cases of PT is bony anomalies of the sigmoid sinus, including dehiscence or diverticula. This case report describes a 26-year-old female patient who presented with pulsatile tinnitus caused by sigmoid sinus diverticula and dehiscence, which was successfully treated with cortical mastoidectomy with diverticula closure using pedicled temporalis fascia and resurfacing of the dehiscence with autogenous bone pate along with bone cement. We recommend thorough clinical and radiological workup to rule out other possible causes of PT before surgical intervention. In addition, we would like to highlight the surgical technique using pedicled temporalis fascia that we have used in our patient, which is easily reproducible and offers successful outcomes.