Diagnostic Yield and Utility of Radiographic Imaging in the Evaluation of Pulsatile Tinnitus: A Systematic Review.
OTOLOGY & NEUROTOLOGY OPEN 2023;
3:e030. [PMID:
38516122 PMCID:
PMC10950154 DOI:
10.1097/ono.0000000000000030]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
Objective
The objective of this study is to assess diagnostic yield of imaging modalities used to evaluate patients presenting with pulsatile tinnitus (PT).
Databases Reviewed
PubMed, Embase, and Scopus were queried using the search terms "pulsatile tinnitus," "pulse-synchronous tinnitus," and "pulse synchronous tinnitus" with no date limitations.
Methods
Studies that reported diagnostic imaging for patients presenting with PT were included. Data were reviewed for sample size, gender, age, imaging study, indications, and diagnoses. The primary outcome measure from aggregated data was the yield of positive diagnoses made with each imaging modality. The quality of evidence was assessed for risk of bias.
Results
From an initial search of 1145 articles, 17 manuscripts met inclusion criteria, of which 12 studies evaluated individual imaging modalities. The number of unique patients included was 1232. The diagnostic yield varied between modalities: carotid ultrasound (21%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 12%-35%), CT temporal bone (65%, CI: 20%-93%), computed tomographic angiography (86%, CI: 80%-90%), and MRI/magnetic resonance angiography (58%, CI: 43%-72%).
Conclusion
Studies on the diagnostic approach to PT are limited by heterogeneity in both inclusion criteria and reporting standards. A wide range of imaging modalities are used in practice during the initial evaluation of PT, and the diagnostic yield for imaging can be improved by utilizing more specific clinical indications.
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