Pulsatile Tinnitus Caused by an Unusual Dural Arteriovenous Fistula

Abstract

Pulsatile tinnitus can be the only symptom of serious underlying pathology and one of many symptoms of a neurological disorder. Dural arteriovenous fistula (DAVF) is a common cause of pulsatile tinnitus. Transverse and sigmoid dural sinuses are the most common sites involved, followed by the cavernous sinus. We herein report a case of unusual DAVF and discuss its clinical features and radiological findings. The DAVF in question was situated between the internal maxillary artery and external jugular vein, causing pulsatile tinnitus. We attempted embolization of the DAVF without success but the symptoms nevertheless resolved.