Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 26, 2026

Endoscopic Cholesteatoma Surgery
Published on: January 19, 2022
Pulsatile tinnitus as a rare presenting symptom of residual cholesteatoma
1Gruppo Otologico (Piacenza-Rome), 29100 Piacenza, Italy. maurizio.falcioni@gruppootologico.it
Abstract:
Pulsatile tinnitus is an uncommon otological symptom, which often presents a diagnostic and management dilemma to the otolaryngologist. This symptom always deserves a thorough evaluation to avoid disastrous consequences from potentially life-threatening associated pathology. In most of the patients a treatable underlying aetiology can be identified. Frequent causes mentioned in the literature responsible for pulsatile tinnitus are benign intracranial hypertension syndrome, temporal bone paragangliomas and arteriovenous fistulae. Pulsatile tinnitus as a consequence of sigmoid sinus compression by a cholesteatoma has not been reported previously in the literature. Here a case of residual cholesteatoma with pulsatile tinnitus is presented, nine years after the first surgery.
Related Concept Videos
Cardiovascular System Abnormal Findings II: Auscultation
Abnormal Heart Sounds
Gallops:
Aortic Regurgitation II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests
Mitral Stenosis II: Clinical features and Diagnostic Tests
Mitral Valve Prolapse II: Assessment and Management
Respiratory System Abnormal Finding II: Palpation and Auscultation
Palpation Findings
During a respiratory assessment, palpation can reveal several vital abnormalities:
Aneurysm II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

