Korean J Otolaryngol-Head Neck Surg.  2002 Apr;45(4):404-407.

A Case of Therapeutic Percutaneous Embolization of Spontaneous Arteriovenous Fistulas with Pulsatile Tinnitus Involving the Branches of the Left External Carotid Artery

• Lee SH
• Yoon YJ
• Mun SY
• Choi SC

Abstract

Arteriovenous fistulas of head and neck, especially the external carotid artery are uncommon lesions usually of traumatic origin. They also may be spontaneous, inflammatory, or congenital origin. They maybe accompanied by symptoms and signs such as pulsatile tinnitus, pulsatile mass, palpable thrill, and machine like bruit. Recently, we experienced a case of spontaneous arteriovenous fistula of external carotid artery, treated by coil embolization. The patient noticed pulsatile tinnitus in the left posterior auricular area and left upper neck area. She had no history of head trauma. External carotid angiogram showed fistula between the branches of the external carotid artery (occipital artery, middle meningeal artery, posterior auricular artery) and the internal jugular vein. The fistulas were successfully controlled by coil embolization.

Keyword

Pulsatile tinnitus; Arteriovenous fistula

MeSH Terms

Arteries
Arteriovenous Fistula*
Carotid Artery, External*
Craniocerebral Trauma
Embolization, Therapeutic
Fistula
Head
Humans
Jugular Veins
Meningeal Arteries
Neck
Tinnitus*