Clinical Presentation and Imaging Findings in Patients With Pulsatile Tinnitus and Sigmoid Sinus Diverticulum/Dehiscence

OBJECTIVE: Sigmoid sinus diverticulum/dehiscence (SSDD) is an increasingly recognized venous cause for pulsatile tinnitus (PT). SSDD is amenable to surgical/endovascular intervention. We aim to understand the clinical and imaging features of patients with PT due to SSDD. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective CT study and chart review. SETTING: Tertiary-care, academic center. PATIENTS: Cohort 1: 200 consecutive unique temporal bone CT were blindly reviewed for anatomic findings associated with PT. Cohort 2: 61 patients with PT were evaluated for otologic manifestations. INTERVENTION(S): All patients underwent a temporal bone CT for evaluation of PT. Clinical information was gathered using electronic medical records. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Otologic symptoms and physical findings (including body mass index (BMI), mastoid/neck bruits) were analyzed. Temporal bone CT scans were evaluated for the presence of SSDD and other possible causes of PT. RESULTS: Cohort 1: 35 cases of SSDD were identified (18%); 10 (29%) true diverticula; and 25 (71%) dehiscence. Sixty-six percent were right sided. Twelve patients had PT (34%). Patients with SSDD are more likely to have PT (p = 0.003). A significant association between right SSDD and PT was found (p = 0.001). Cohort 2: 15 out of 61 patients had PT and CT-confirmed SSDD. All were female subjects; average age was 45 years (26-73 yr). Radiologic evaluation revealed 10 SSDD cases on the right (66.7%), 2 on the left (13.3%%), and 3 bilateral (20%). Sensorineural hearing loss was seen in 8 (53%), aural fullness in 12 (80%). Average BMI was 32.2 (21.0-59.82), and 4 (26%) had audible mastoid bruits. CONCLUSION: SSDD may be the most common identifiable cause for PT from venous origin and is potentially treatable. Temporal bone CT scans should be included in a complete evaluation of PT.