Role of cerebral digital subtraction angiography in the evaluation of pulse synchronous tinnitus.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to evaluate the value of digital subtraction angiography (DSA) in the diagnostic evaluation of a highly selected patient population presenting with pulse-synchronous tinnitus (PST).

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the charts of all patients referred for evaluation of possible vascular etiology of pulsatile tinnitus. Patients were evaluated with regards to presenting signs, comorbidities, non-invasive imaging results, angiographic findings and outcomes.

RESULTS

Fifteen patients underwent cerebral DSA. Dural arteriovenous fistula (dAVF) was identified in six patients, and five patients had other significant vascular pathology identified on DSA. Seven patients with 'negative' non-invasive imaging were found to have significant pathology on DSA.

CONCLUSIONS

Catheter angiography may have a significant yield in appropriately selected patients presenting with pulse synchronous tinnitus.