Imaging in pulsatile tinnitus

Clin Radiol. 2009 Mar;64(3):319-28. doi: 10.1016/j.crad.2008.08.014. Epub 2008 Nov 5.

Abstract

Tinnitus may be continuous or pulsatile. Vascular lesions are the most frequent radiologically demonstrable cause of pulsatile tinnitus. These include congenital vascular anomalies (which may be arterial or venous), vascular tumours, and a variety of acquired vasculopathies. The choice of imaging depends on the clinical findings. If a mass is present at otoscopy, thin-section computed tomography (CT) is indicated. In the otoscopically normal patient, there is a range of possible imaging approaches. However, combined CT angiography and venography is particularly useful.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Arteriovenous Fistula / complications
  • Arteriovenous Fistula / diagnostic imaging
  • Bone Diseases, Developmental / complications
  • Bone Diseases, Developmental / diagnostic imaging
  • Child
  • Contrast Media
  • Ear Diseases / complications
  • Ear Diseases / diagnostic imaging
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pseudotumor Cerebri / complications
  • Pseudotumor Cerebri / diagnostic imaging
  • Tinnitus / diagnostic imaging*
  • Tinnitus / etiology
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed / methods*
  • Vascular Neoplasms / complications
  • Vascular Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging

Substances

  • Contrast Media