title: Prevalence of jugular bulb abnormalities and resultant inner ear dehiscence: a histopathologic and radiologic study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Jugular bulb abnormalities (JBA), including high-riding jugular bulb (HRJB) and jugular bulb diverticulum (JBD), can erode into the inner ear. In this study, the authors investigate the prevalence and consequences of JBA and their erosion into inner ear structures using temporal bone histopathology and computed tomography (CT).
  
  
  METHODS
  Cross-sectional study of temporal bone histopathology and radiology.
  
  
  METHODS
  Academic medical center.
  
  
  METHODS
  In total, 1579 temporal bone specimens and 100 CT of the temporal bones (200 ears) were examined for JBA and any associated dehiscence of inner ear structures. Temporal bone specimens were examined for histological consequences of inner ear erosion. Jugular bulb dimensions were measured on axial CT scans and compared across groups. Accompanying demographic and clinical information were reviewed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  High jugular bulbs were noted in 8.2% (130/1579) of temporal bone specimens and in 8.5% (17/200) of temporal bone CT. The prevalence of JBA increases during the first 4 decades of life and stabilizes thereafter. High-riding jugular bulbs eroded inner ear structures such as the vestibular aqueduct, vertical facial nerve, or posterior semicircular canal in 2.8% (44/1579) of cases histologically and 1.5% (3/200) radiologically. In most, jugular bulb-mediated inner ear dehiscence was clinically and radiologically silent.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Jugular bulb abnormalities are common. They are present in 10% to 15% individuals and are primarily acquired by the fourth decade of life. In 1% to 3% of cases, the HRJB erodes into the inner ear and most frequently involves the vestibular aqueduct.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA.
authors.forename: David R
authors.initials: DR
authors.lastname: Friedmann
authors.forename: Jan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Eubig
authors.forename: Leon S
authors.initials: LS
authors.lastname: Winata
authors.forename: Bidyut K
authors.initials: BK
authors.lastname: Pramanik
authors.forename: Saumil N
authors.initials: SN
authors.lastname: Merchant
authors.forename: Anil K
authors.initials: AK
authors.lastname: Lalwani
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D002648:Child; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004240:Diverticulum / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D007758:Ear, Inner / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007601:Jugular Veins / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008297:Male; D008404:Massachusetts / Q000453:epidemiology; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D013701:Temporal Bone / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed