Surgical treatment of pulsatile tinnitus arising from sigmoid sinus wall anomalies

Pulsatile tinnitus (PT) caused by sigmoid sinus (SS) wall anomalies, most commonly diverticulum and dehiscence, represents a prevalent and potentially reversible venous etiology. This narrative review summarizes contemporary concepts in diagnosis and treatment and proposes a practical framework for clinical decision-making....

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Sigmoid sinus wall anomalies (diverticulum and dehiscence) are a surgically correctable cause of pulsatile tinnitus; audiologists should ensure patients with pulsatile tinnitus are referred for vascular imaging workup before assuming a non-treatable etiology.

Identifying a reversible venous cause of pulsatile tinnitus can spare patients from years of unnecessary tinnitus management and directs the field toward vascular etiologies as key differential diagnoses.

1. 01Pulsatile tinnitus from sigmoid sinus anomalies (diverticulum or dehiscence) may be fully reversible with surgery.
2. 02Study reviews surgical outcomes, supporting operative intervention as an effective treatment pathway.
3. 03Highlights the importance of distinguishing venous-origin pulsatile tinnitus from other tinnitus types.
4. 04Audiologists have a gatekeeper role in identifying patients who need vascular imaging referral.
5. 05Outcome data could inform pre-surgical counseling about prognosis.

PMID

42669852

DOI

10.1097/JCMA.0000000000001420.

Journal

Journal of the Chinese Medical Association

Publication type

review_article

Evidence level

4

Population

Patients with pulsatile tinnitus caused by sigmoid sinus wall anomalies (diverticulum and dehiscence)

Intervention

Surgical correction of sigmoid sinus wall anomalies