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Retrospective study investigates mastoid emissary vein dilation and its association with pulsatile tinnitus, suggesting vascular factors may contribute.
BACKGROUND: Pulsatile tinnitus (PT) is commonly attributed to vascular etiologies; however, up to half of cases remain idiopathic. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the association between the mastoid emissary vein (MEV) and PT and to identify MEV-related factors contributing to PT. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study included 119 adults (237 ears; PT, 46 ears; non-PT, 191 ears) who underwent temporal bone computed tomography between January 2019 and July 2025. MEV presence, dilation, and morphological features were analyzed. CONCLUSIONS AND SIGNIFICANCE: MEV dilation is strongly associated with PT and frequently accompanied by venous abnormalities. Careful radiologic evaluation of MEV may help identify potential vascular contributors in patients with idiopathic PT.
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Kwak et al. (2026) studied this question.
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