Sphenoidal diploic arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) are exceptionally rare. When accompanied by cortical venous reflux (CVR), they are considered high-risk lesions with a potential for intracranial hemorrhage, warranting prompt treatment. Endovascular management is challenging in the sphenoidal region because arterial feeders often harbor extracranial-intracranial anastomoses....

No actionable change for audiologists — this rare vascular case report is outside audiology scope, though pulsatile tinnitus (a whooshing sound in the ear in time with the heartbeat) caused by such fistulas can occasionally present in audiology clinics.

Awareness of rare intracranial vascular abnormalities like diploic arteriovenous fistulas is marginally relevant to audiologists, as pulsatile tinnitus can be a presenting symptom warranting urgent neurovascular referral.

1. 01Single case report of a rare sphenoidal diploic arteriovenous fistula (abnormal arterio-venous connection in skull bone) with cortical venous reflux.
2. 02Cortical venous reflux classifies the lesion as high-risk due to increased haemorrhage or infarction potential.
3. 03Published in Surgical Neurology International; PMID 42116911.
4. 04Pulsatile tinnitus can be a presenting symptom of such vascular lesions — relevant awareness point for audiologists.
5. 05Case reports provide the lowest tier of clinical evidence and cannot guide practice changes.

PMID

42116911

DOI

10.25259/SNI_1428_2025.

Journal

Surgical Neurology International

Publication type

case_report

Evidence level

4

Sample size

1

Population

Patient with sphenoidal diploic arteriovenous fistula and cortical venous reflux

Intervention

Diagnosis and characterisation of sphenoidal diploic arteriovenous fistula