The radiologic evaluation of tinnitus

Abstract

Tinnitus ("ringing in the ears") is a prevalent symptom in the general population, and often brings patients to medical attention. Many causes of tinnitus are evident radiographically. The most frequently-encountered causes of tinnitus are discussed, and imaging recommendations are provided.

CT Angiography as a Screening Tool for Dural Arteriovenous Fistula in Patients with Pulsatile Tinnitus: Feasibility and Test Characteristics

“…The otology literature has described this dilemma, 18 with some advocating liberal use of angiography, while others advance MR imaging and CT-based approaches. 4,6 Clinical evaluation clarifies the presence of subjective "whooshing" 3. A, Coronal 3-mm-slab MIP from CTA in patient 3 with a right transverse sinus DAVF, predominantly supplied by right occipital, middle meningeal, and marginal tentorial branches; some supply from the left internal carotid is also seen, as described below. This case illustrates the "asymmetric jugular attenuation" sign, which is easily appreciated when the R and L IJVs are compared.…”

“…[1][2][3][4][5] Its causes are predominantly vascular, either arterial or, more commonly, venous. [5][6][7][8][9] An extensive literature on imaging in PT describes a wide variation in the incidence of structural findings in patients with PT. 10,11 These discrepancies likely reflect heterogeneity in study populations, radiologist expertise, and imaging technique used in the evaluation.…”

CT evaluation of sigmoid plate dehiscence causing pulsatile tinnitus

“…Unlike non-PT, PT can usually be found with potential causes [1]. CT arteriography/venography (CTA/V) is mostly recommended for PT patients with normal otoscopic findings, which allows assessment of arterial, venous and neoplastic causes with a single examination [2][3][4][5][6].…”

Vascular Loops at the Cerebellopontine Angle: Is There a Correlation with Tinnitus?

“…However, in some cases, the etiology of tinnitus remains uncertain, and most of these patients have no imaging abnormalities. 4,5 Compression of the eighth cranial nerve (eighth CN) by vascular structures has been proposed as a cause of tinnitus. [6][7][8][9][10] However, controversial results have been reported in the medical literature about the relationship between neurovascular compression of the eighth CN and neuro-otologic symptoms.…”