1) To review the causes and significance of pulsatile and non-pulsatile tinnitus. 2) To develop an organized thorough approach to the radiologic work-up of the patient with tinnitus. 3) To identify and report the imaging findings that are important in the patient with tinnitus.
Tinnitus is a common clinical problem, and in some patients may be disabling. The goal of imaging is to identify a cause that may be surgically corrected, such as a glomus tympanicum or other middle ear mass, carotid artery stenosis, sigmoid sinus venous diverticulum, or dural arteriovenous fistula.
Traditional imaging algorithm started with an MR to assess for middle ear mass or empty sella turcica, a secondary finding of intracranial hypertension.
With CT angiography/venography virtually all potential causes of tinnitus can be identified, except for dural arteriovenous fistula. A dedicated conventional catheter angiogram is still required in a patient with suspected dural AVF.
This course will review the multiple lesions that can contribute to the perception of noise without an acoustic stimulus. Imaging examples of lesions will accompany the discussion.
Hudgins, P,
Work-up of Pulsatile Tinnitus. Radiological Society of North America 2007 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 25 - November 30, 2007 ,Chicago IL.
http://archive.rsna.org/2007/3020612.html
