[Main symptom: "pulse-synchronous tinnitus"].
BACKGROUND
In comparison to cochlear or nerval generated ear noises, pulsatile tinnitus is a rare condition. Due to its own etiology, specific diagnostic steps are necessary.


METHODS
We present 6 patients with pulsating tinnitus as the leading symptom. By means of these cases the various etiologies, rational diagnosis and therapy will be discussed.


RESULTS
Pulsatile tinnitus is frequently caused by an increased blood flow in the cranial vessels through various pathologies. Besides those diseases going along with a general increase of blood circulation, regional alterations can be classified as hypervascular/hyperemic, arterial or venous conditioned.


CONCLUSIONS
Physical examination and modern imaging can detect the underlying reasons in a quick and reliable way.
Gehrking
E
E
Klinik für Hals-, Nasen- und Ohrenheilkunde des Universitätsklinikums Lübeck. gehrking@medinf.mu-luebeck.de
Gliemroth
J
J
Missler
U
U
Remmert
S
S
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001164:Arteriovenous Fistula / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology; D001488:Basilar Artery / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000503:physiopathology; D020216:Carotid-Cavernous Sinus Fistula / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology; D018424:Cholesteatoma, Middle Ear / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D003952:Diagnostic Imaging; D004388:Dura Mater / Q000098:blood supply*; D005260:Female; D005925:Glomus Jugulare Tumor / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D007601:Jugular Veins / Q000002:abnormalities / Q000503:physiopathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010234:Paraganglia, Nonchromaffin / Q000503:physiopathology; D011674:Pulse; D014012:Tinnitus / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology