Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 11, 2025
06:51
A Patient-Derived Xenograft Model for Venous Malformation
Published on: June 15, 2020
5.6K
Multiple Venous Malformations as a Cause of Pulsatile Tinnitus
Ayham Al Afif1, Uthman Alamoudi1,2, Ahmed A Al-Sayed1,3
1Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Dalhousie University, 1278 Tower Road, Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Centre, Dickson Building (3rd Floor), B3H 2Y9, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.
Case Reports in Otolaryngology
|August 25, 2020
Summary
Pulsatile tinnitus can stem from various causes, including rare dilated venous channels in the head and neck. This case highlights a unique instance of low-flow venous malformations causing debilitating pulsatile tinnitus.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Vascular Malformations
- Neurotology
Background:
- Pulsatile tinnitus is a common otolaryngology presentation with many treatable causes.
- A thorough workup is essential to identify treatable etiologies and rule out serious conditions.
- This case focuses on a rare cause of pulsatile tinnitus: multiple dilated venous channels.
Observation:
- A 65-year-old female presented with a two-year history of progressive, debilitating, bilateral pulsatile tinnitus.
- Computed-tomographic angiography (CTA) excluded intracranial vascular causes.
- Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed multiple dilated, low-flow, bilateral venous channels in the head and neck.
Findings:
- Dilated low-flow venous malformations were identified as the likely source of the patient's pulsatile tinnitus.
- The venous channels were in close proximity to the temporal bone, facilitating sound transmission to the inner ear.
- This represents the first reported case of pulsatile tinnitus caused by multiple dilated venous channels.
Implications:
- Venous etiologies, specifically malformations, should be considered in the differential diagnosis of pulsatile tinnitus.
- Advanced imaging (CT, MRI) is crucial for identifying such vascular anomalies.
- Understanding these rare vascular causes can lead to improved diagnosis and management of pulsatile tinnitus.
Related Concept Videos
01:20Venous Thrombosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
178
The key difference between Superficial Vein Thrombosis (SVT) and Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) lies in their location and severity.Clinical ManifestationsSVT typically presents with localized pain, tenderness, and redness along the course of a superficial vein, often accompanied by a palpable, cord-like structure under the skin. This condition is usually less dangerous than DVT but can be uncomfortable and may lead to complications such as cellulitis or, rarely, a clot extension into the deep...
178
01:30Venous Thrombosis I: Introduction
160
Venous thrombosis, the most common disorder of the veins, involves the formation of a thrombus or blood clot associated with vein inflammation. It can be classified as either superficial vein thrombosis or deep vein thrombosis.Superficial Vein Thrombosis: This involves the formation of a thrombus in a superficial vein, usually the greater or lesser saphenous vein. Though less severe than deep vein thrombosis (DVT), SVT can lead to complications if untreated.Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): This...
160
01:19Veins of Head and Neck
4.5K
The blood drainage from the head and neck is primarily managed by three pairs of veins: the external jugular, internal jugular, and vertebral veins. The external jugular veins drain superficial scalp and face structures, passing over the sternocleidomastoid muscles to empty into the subclavian veins.
On the other hand, the vertebral veins, unlike their arterial counterparts, are not primarily responsible for brain drainage. Instead, they drain the cervical vertebrae, spinal cord, and some small...
On the other hand, the vertebral veins, unlike their arterial counterparts, are not primarily responsible for brain drainage. Instead, they drain the cervical vertebrae, spinal cord, and some small...
4.5K
01:26Varicose Veins I: Introduction
97
Varicose veins, or varicosities, are abnormally dilated and twisted superficial veins caused by venous valve incompetence. This condition commonly affects the lower extremities, especially the saphenous veins, due to the higher pressure from prolonged standing and walking. However, varicosities can also occur in other areas, such as the esophagus, vulva, spermatic cords, and anorectal region.Etiology and typesPrimary varicose veins, often idiopathic, are more common in women due to inherent...
97
01:25Cardiovascular System Abnormal Findings II: Auscultation
426
Auscultation, an essential part of a heart examination, is done using a stethoscope. It provides crucial information about heart function and possible heart problems. Due to heart problems, abnormal sounds can be heard during systole or diastole. These sounds include S3 and S4 gallops, opening snaps, systolic clicks, and murmurs.
Abnormal Heart Sounds
Gallops:
Abnormal Heart Sounds
Gallops:
426
01:22Mitral Stenosis I: Introduction
219
Mitral Valve Stenosis (MVS) is a heart condition where the mitral valve narrows, impeding blood circulation from the left atrium to the left ventricle. The etiology and pathophysiology of this condition are multifaceted, leading to a cascade of cardiovascular complications.Causes of Mitral Valve StenosisRheumatic Heart Disease: It is the main cause of mitral valve stenosis, particularly in developing nations. This condition arises from rheumatic fever, an inflammatory illness resulting from...
219