Objective: To evaluate the application, effectiveness and safety of stenting in venous sinus stenosis for intractable pulsatile tinnitus via endovascular treatment.
Methods: From January 2010 to July 2011, 12 cases with intractable pulsatile tinnitus originating from cerebral venous sinus stenosis underwent stenting treatment. All of them were diagnosed by digital subtraction angiography (DSA). There was ipsilateral stenosis in junction segment of sigmoid and transverse sinuses. The diverticulum of sigmoid sinus was found in 6 cases. Eleven patients underwent stenting placement and angioplasty for venous sinus stenosis.
Results: All pulsatile tinnitus symptoms disappeared immediately after stenting. No related complication was found during stenting and over a follow-up period of 3 - 22 months. There was no recurrence of pulsatile tinnitus.
Conclusions: Stent placement is a safe and effective procedure for pulsatile tinnitus with cerebral venous sinus stenosis.