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A rare cause of conductive hearing loss: High lateralized jugular bulb with bony dehiscence
1Department of ENT, Guy's and St. Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK. jgbarr85@gmail.com.
Insights
A rare cause of pediatric hearing loss was identified: a high jugular bulb. This anatomical variation can lead to conductive hearing loss and requires careful diagnosis to avoid injury.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Pediatric Medicine
- Radiology
Background:
- Conductive hearing loss in children can have various causes.
- Anatomical variations in the head and neck region can present diagnostic challenges.
Observation:
- An 8-year-old boy presented with a 40 dB right-sided conductive hearing loss.
- A visible pink bulge was noted on the inferior aspect of the right tympanic membrane.
Findings:
- Computed tomography revealed a high, lateralized right jugular bulb with a superolaterally pointing diverticulum.
- The diverticulum extended into the lower mesotympanum and posterior external auditory meatus.
Implications:
- Accurate diagnosis of high jugular bulb is crucial to prevent iatrogenic injury to the jugular vein.
- This rare anomaly necessitates avoiding sharp objects in the ear canal.
- Highlights the importance of advanced imaging in pediatric ear conditions.
Abstract:
We present a rare case of pediatric conductive hearing loss due to a high lateralized jugular bulb. An 8-year-old boy with a right-sided conductive hearing loss of 40 dB was found to have a pink bulge toward the inferior part of the right eardrum. Computed tomography showed a high, lateralized right jugular bulb that had a superolaterally pointing diverticulum that bulged into the lower mesotympanum and posterior external auditory meatus. It was explained to the child's parents that it is important never to put any sharp objects into the ears because of the risk of injury to the jugular vein. A high, lateralized jugular bulb with a diverticulum is a rare anatomic abnormality. Correct diagnosis of this abnormality is important so that inappropriate intervention does not occur.
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