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Tinnitus as a presenting symptom in pernicious anemia
The Annals of Otology, Rhinology, and Laryngology
|March 1, 1979
Summary
Pernicious anemia can cause pulsatile tinnitus due to increased blood flow. Treating the anemia resolved the tinnitus, highlighting a link between circulatory changes and auditory symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Cardiology
- Hematology
Background:
- Pulsatile tinnitus is an uncommon auditory symptom.
- Anemia can induce significant physiological changes in the circulatory system.
Observation:
- A patient presented with pulsatile tinnitus, a symptom often associated with vascular conditions.
- The underlying cause was identified as pernicious anemia, a severe form of vitamin B12 deficiency.
Findings:
- Anemia leads to a hyperdynamic circulatory state, characterized by increased cardiac output, tachycardia, and elevated pulse pressure.
- This altered hemodynamics creates turbulent blood flow, generating bruits and pulsations perceived as tinnitus.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering systemic conditions like anemia in the differential diagnosis of pulsatile tinnitus.
- Successful treatment of pernicious anemia can effectively resolve associated pulsatile tinnitus, demonstrating a direct link between hematologic status and auditory perception.