A Treatable Cause of Pulsatile Tinnitus: A Case of Sigmoid Sinus Dehiscence

Cureus. 2023 Feb 28;15(2):e35577. doi: 10.7759/cureus.35577. eCollection 2023 Feb.

Abstract

Tinnitus is a symptom of an underlying condition that can be neurological, ontological, or infectious in origin. This case report describes a patient with pulsatile tinnitus caused by sigmoid sinus dehiscence, which was successfully treated by sigmoid sinus dehiscence repair. We recommend computed tomography angiography/magnetic resonance angiography or digital subtraction angiography to rule out vascular malformation, such as arteriovenous fistula, prior to surgical intervention. In addition, we recommend imaging of the brain and formal evaluation by an ophthalmologist and lumbar puncture prior to surgical intervention to rule out idiopathic intracranial hypertension if suspected.

Keywords: computed tomography of the temporal bone; cortical mastoidectomy; headache; pulsatile tinnitus; sigmoid sinus dehiscence; sigmoid sinus dehiscence repair.

Publication types

  • Case Reports