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Focal defect of mastoid bone shell in the region of the transverse-sigmoid junction: a new cause of pulsatile tinnitus

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  07 February 2012

J Xue ,
T Li ,
X Sun  and
Y Liu
J Xue
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
T Li
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
X Sun
Affiliation:
Department of Medical Imaging, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
Y Liu*
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
*
Address for correspondence: Dr Yuhe Liu, Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Peking University First Hospital, No 8 Xishiku Street, Western District, Beijing 100034, China Fax: +86 10 66551057 E-mail: [email protected]
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Abstract

Objective:

Pulsatile tinnitus usually originates from vascular structures, causing an arterial or venous bruit. We report a new cause of pulsatile tinnitus: a focal defect of the mastoid bone shell in the region of the transverse-sigmoid junction, with a normal transverse-sigmoid sinus.

Participants and intervention:

Three patients complained of unilateral, pulsatile tinnitus present for many years. They were identified as having a focal defect of the mastoid bone shell in the region of the transverse-sigmoid junction. The patients underwent transmastoid reconstruction of the mastoid bone shell overlying the transverse-sigmoid sinus.

Results:

All three patients reported immediate resolution of their symptoms, and were asymptomatic at final follow up.

Conclusion:

A focal defect of the mastoid bone shell overlying the transverse-sigmoid sinus, with no abnormality of the sinus itself, may be a new cause of pulsatile tinnitus. Surgical reconstruction of the mastoid bone shell overlying the transverse-sigmoid sinus can provide lasting symptom relief for patients with pulsatile tinnitus and computed tomographic evidence of the defect.

Keywords

Tinnitus, PulsatileMastoidTemporal BoneSigmoid Sinus
Type
Clinical Records
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 126 , Issue 4 , April 2012 , pp. 409 - 413
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 2012

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