Transmastoid Hydroxyapatite Resurfacing for Sigmoid Sinus Wall Anomalies Causing Pulsatile Tinnitus

Comprising 4% of tinnitus, pulsatile tinnitus (PT) can be particularly difficult for affected patients as well as surgeons looking to address their symptoms. Often the cause is not identified but can be secondary to turbulent flow in or near the sigmoid sinus, particularly if there is an identifiable sigmoid sinus dehiscence (SSDe) and/or diverticulum (SSDi). These sigmoid sinus wall anomalies (SSWA) may be treated with transmastoid sigmoid sinus resurfacing; however, this intervention remains relatively novel and its technique, materials used, resolution success, and complications need to be continuously reviewed.

A retrospective case series of patients with PT due to SSWA at a tertiary referral center was reviewed. A total of 6 patients (7 ears) treated by transmastoid resurfacing using hydroxyapatite (HA) were retrospectively assessed. Pre-operative demographics and symptoms, pre- and post-operative hearing results, and post-operative outcomes were reviewed.

All patients were female with an average BMI of 32.9 (±5.4) and a mean age of 45.5 years (±15.3). Mean follow-up was 648 days. Objective tinnitus was noted in all ears with SSDi (100%); however, no objective tinnitus was noted with purely SSDe. In 100% of ears, PT was diminished with ipsilateral jugular compression and was amplified with contralateral head turn. Pre-operative symptoms of PT resolved in all patients, but delayed recurrence (>1 year) occurred in 1 ear (14%). No patient had pre- or post-operative hearing loss. No major complications were encountered.

Transmastoid resurfacing for SSWA with HA bone cement is a safe, reliable intervention in properly identified PT patients.