Postoperative cerebral venous sinus complications in posterior fossa craniotomies are increasingly recognized but remain incompletely characterized. Although most cases are asymptomatic, impaired venous outflow may lead to intracranial hypertension....
✦ The floor
Discussion
Signed responses from readers of the wire.
Audiologists should be aware that pulsatile tinnitus (a whooshing sound in the ears in rhythm with the heartbeat) after retrosigmoid craniotomy may signal postoperative venous sinus stenosis — prompt referral for neuroradiology evaluation is warranted in such cases.
Venous sinus stenosis is an underrecognized complication of posterior fossa surgery that can present with audiological symptoms, making awareness among hearing specialists relevant for appropriate and timely referral.
- 01Systematic review characterizes venous sinus stenosis occurring after retrosigmoid craniotomy.
- 02Retrosigmoid craniotomy is a skull-base surgery commonly used for acoustic neuroma and microvascular decompression.
- 03Stenosis (narrowing) of venous sinuses can cause pulsatile tinnitus, intracranial hypertension, and headache.
- 04An illustrative case report accompanies the systematic review data.
- 05Early recognition and neuroradiology referral are key management steps.
Postoperative venous sinus stenosis is a complication of retrosigmoid craniotomy that can cause auditory and neurological symptoms.
studypartially supported- PMID
- 42848067
- DOI
- 10.1007/s00234-026-04192-5.
- Journal
- Neuroradiology
- Publication type
- review
- Evidence level
- 2a
- Population
- Patients who developed venous sinus stenosis following retrosigmoid craniotomy for posterior fossa surgery
- Intervention
- Retrosigmoid craniotomy (posterior fossa surgery)
Primary outcomes
Characterization of postoperative venous sinus stenosis (incidence, presentation, radiological features); Clinical management and outcomes