Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 12, 2026

Surgical Treatment of an Endolymphatic Sac Tumor
Published on: May 26, 2023
A dilated mastoid emissary vein as a potential cause of pulsatile tinnitus
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Dongtan Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University College of Medicine, Hwaseong, Republic of Korea.
Background:
Pulsatile tinnitus (PT) is commonly attributed to vascular etiologies; however, up to half of cases remain idiopathic.
Objectives:
To investigate the association between the mastoid emissary vein (MEV) and PT and to identify MEV-related factors contributing to PT.
Materials And Methods:
This retrospective study included 119 adults (237 ears; PT, 46 ears; non-PT, 191 ears) who underwent temporal bone computed tomography between January 2019 and July 2025. MEV presence, dilation, and morphological features were analyzed.
Results:
MEV was identified in 73.9% of PT ears and 61.3% of non-PT ears, without a significant difference. However, dilated MEV was significantly more common in the PT group (56.5% vs. 29.3%, OR = 3.13, p < 0.001). Among 151 ears with MEV, PT ears showed a higher prevalence of dilation (76.5% vs. 47.9%, OR = 3.54, p = 0.003). Mean MEV orifice diameter was significantly larger in the PT group on both axial and coronal images. MEV presence was also associated with concomitant venous abnormalities (OR = 2.05, p = 0.035).
Conclusions And Significance:
MEV dilation is strongly associated with PT and frequently accompanied by venous abnormalities. Careful radiologic evaluation of MEV may help identify potential vascular contributors in patients with idiopathic PT.
Related Concept Videos
Anatomy of the Ear
Veins of Head and Neck
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...
Venous Thrombosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
Cardiovascular System Abnormal Findings II: Auscultation
Abnormal Heart Sounds
Gallops:
Cardiovascular System Abnormal Findings I: Inspection and Palpation
Abnormal findings observed during an inspection
Auditory Pathway
When viewed cross-sectionally, the cochlea reveals the scala vestibuli and scala tympani flanking the...
