S205 – Neuroradiologic Assessment of Pulsatile Tinnitus

Abstract

Objectives

To present a neuroradiographic imaging algorithm for patients presenting with pulsatile tinnitus.

Methods

This was a retrospective review of patients presenting to a tertiary care academic medical center from 1993 to 2007 with a chief complaint of pulsatile tinnitus. Clinical presentation and diagnostic imaging data were analyzed.

Results

Of the 108 patients identified, 93 patients had subjective pulsatile tinnitus and 15 patients presented with objective pulsatile tinnitus. In patients with subjective pulsatile tinnitus, 27/93 (29%) had positive radiologic findings, with 71% of cerebral angiogram studies and 57% of MR studies revealing anatomic abnormalities responsible for the pulsatile tinnitus. In patients with objective pulsatile tinnitus, 9/15 (60%) had positive radiologic findings, with 80% of cerebral angiogram studies and 57% of MR studies revealing anatomic abnormalities responsible for the pulsatile tinnitus. Magnetic resonance sensitivity in subjective and objective pulsatile tinnitus was 67% and 57% respectively.

Conclusions

Magnetic resonance is an excellent first-line diagnostic imaging modality in the assessment of pulsatile tinnitus. However, regardless of the subjective or objective nature of pulsatile tinnitus, cerebral angiography should be considered in patients with a negative MR and disabling pulsatile tinnitus.