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Pulsatile tinnitus associated with congenital central nervous system malformations
W J Wiggs1, A Sismanis, F J Laine
1Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Medical College of Virginia, Richmond 23298, USA.
The American Journal of Otology
|March 1, 1996
Summary
Pulsatile tinnitus may indicate congenital central nervous system malformations like Arnold-Chiari malformation. Surgical decompression relieved tinnitus in one patient, suggesting a link between these conditions.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Otolaryngology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Pulsatile tinnitus is rarely linked to congenital central nervous system (CNS) malformations.
- Congenital CNS malformations can alter intracranial pressure dynamics.
Observation:
- This study describes three patients presenting with pulsatile tinnitus.
- Two patients had Type I Arnold-Chiari malformation; one had congenital stenosis of the sylvian aqueduct.
Findings:
- Pulsatile tinnitus in these cases is hypothesized to result from increased intracranial pressure.
- One patient with Arnold-Chiari malformation experienced tinnitus relief after suboccipital decompression surgery.
- Audiologic and radiologic data were analyzed, and a diagnostic algorithm for pulsatile tinnitus was proposed.
Implications:
- Congenital CNS malformations should be considered in the differential diagnosis of pulsatile tinnitus.
- This highlights a potential new manifestation of specific congenital brain anomalies.
- Further research is warranted to explore the pathophysiology and diagnostic approaches.