Endolymphatic Duct Obstruction from a Jugular Bulb Diverticulum

Abstract

Herniation of the jugular bulb into the middle ear is uncommon. Extension of a jugular bulb diverticulum into the petrous pyramid is rare. In ten previously reported cases in the literature, only the radiographic appearance of the lesion was stressed. Of interest to otolaryngologists is the fact that in seven of the cases there was an ipsilateral sensorineural hearing loss. Other symptoms included tinnitus and vertigo. One patient had been diagnosed as having Menière's disease. We document an additional case (a patient who had “classical Menière's disease”) and report the first known surgical exploration of this venous anomaly. The diverticulum extended high into the petrous bone and was found to obliterate the distal segment of the endolymphatic duct. To our knowledge, this is the first time that a cause and effect relationship has been recognized between endolymphatic hydrops and a jugular bulb diverticulum. We propose that the diverticulum, by obstructing the endolymphatic duct, was directly responsible for the Menière's-like symptoms.