Abstract: Objective To investigate the anatomical mechanism, imaging characteristics and surgical effect of pulsatile tinnitus caused by traumatic superficial temporal arteriovenous fistula. Methods To analyze the clinical data of a patient with left ear anterior mass and pulsatile tinnitus after a history of left ear trauma. The patient was confirmed as superficial temporal arteriovenous fistula by superficial B-ultrasound and head and neck CT angiography. The symptoms were improved after Surgical method of mass resection and vascular ligation. The clinical characteristics and curative effect were analyzed. Results The patient had a history of left ear trauma, and had subcutaneous mass with pulsatile tinnitus after injury. The physical examination found that there was local vascular murmur. After surgical method of mass resection and vascular ligation, pulsatile tinnitus disappeared. The patients were followed up for half a year after operation, and the symptoms did not recur. Conclusion The diagnosis of pulsatile tinnitus caused by traumatic superficial temporal arteriovenous fistula depends on clinical symptoms and signs. CTA of head and neck can make a definite diagnosis, and traditional mass resection and vascular ligation can obtain stable and lasting curative effect.

Key words: Pulsatile tinnitus, Superficial temporal arteriovenous fistula, Traumatic, Computed tomograph angiograph, Vascular ligation