Pulsatile tinnitus as the sole manifestation of an internal carotid artery aneurysm successfully treated by coil embolization

Abstract

Pulsatile tinnitus is tinnitus that coincides with the patient's heartbeat. It constitutes a small portion of all tinnitus, but it is often the first or sole manifestation of a serious disease in the nervous system. Aneurysm of the internal carotid artery is known as a rare cause of pulsatile tinnitus and, in the main, aneurysms of the petrous portion have been reported as a cause of pulsatile tinnitus. We present an interesting case of pulsatile tinnitus that was caused by a paraclinoid aneurysm in this report and discuss clinical features and treatment of paraclinoid aneurysm. © 2012 by Korean Society of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery.