Pulsatile tinnitus secondary to sigmoid sinus diverticulum: A case report

Abstract

Sigmoid sinus diverticulum (SSD) has been recently recognized as a cause of pulsatile tinnitus (PT). The cause of the SSD and tinnitus caused by a sinus diverticulum is unknown. Numerous cases have reported successful treatment with surgical or radiological intervention. We report the first case of SSD in our region that was treated surgically with a successful outcome. A 40-year-old female presented to the Ear Nose Thorat (ENT) clinic with the chief complaint of right ear ringing for three years. The symptoms were relieved on compression of the ipsilateral internal jugular vein during clinical examination. Computed tomography showed a bony defect and sigmoid sinus diverticulum. Surgical excision was performed under general anaesthesia using the trans-mastoid approach. The diverticulum was identified and obliterated. Temporalis fascia and conchal cartilage were used as grafts. No postoperative complications were noted. A 3-year follow-up showed no signs of recurrence. Tinnitus is a relatively common condition. SSD should be investigated as a probable cause. A successful outcome is governed by the surgeon’s expertise.