Acellular dermis (SureDerm) use for managing pulsatile tinnitus: a long-term follow-up of a novel surgical technique

Abstract

Introduction: Pulsatile tinnitus (PT) can be very distressing for the patient. An identifiable abnormality is rarely detected. Dural AV malformation is responsible for arterial PT. Venous PT has rarely been attributed to an obvious abnormality on venogram. Dehiscent high jugular bulb or sigmoid sinus have been thought to be potential cause for venous PT. Ligation of internal jugular vein (IJV) has been advocated as a definitive surgical treatment. To our knowledge the use of acellular dermal matrix for treatment of venous PT has not been reported previously.Objectives: To share our experience of a successful treatment of PT using acellular dermis.Methodology: Case report and literature review.Case description: A 23-year-old Caucasian female presented with right-sided PT of 9 months duration. All clinical and audiological investigations were normal. MRI brain and internal auditory canals was normal but the CT scan showed a high right jugular bulb. It also showed dehiscence of the right sigmoid plate with herniation of sigmoid sinus into the mastoid. She underwent transmastoid correction of dehiscent sigmoid sinus and jugular bulb. Acellular dermis was used for extra luminal packing of mastoid cavity and hypotympanum. The patient made a good post-operative recovery and reported resolution of tinnitus on recovering from anaesthesia. The patient was discharged home the following day. There were no sequelae from surgery. The patient has remained symptom-free 11 years following her treatment.Conclusion: The surgical goal of dehiscent sigmoid sinus correction can be accomplished with acellular dermis packing. Traditionally ligation of the IJV or rigid correction of herniated sinus has been recommended; however, we have demonstrated that a relatively thick pliable acellular dermis is more than adequate to correct herniation of the sigmoid venous sinus.