OBJECTIVE TINNITUS IN PATIENTS WITH ATHEROSCLEROTIC CAROTID-ARTERY DISEASE

Atherosclerotic carotid artery disease (ACAD) as a cause of objective- pulsatile tinnitus has not been adequately addressed in the literature . This report presents the authors' experience in 12 patients with pul satile tinnitus arising from ACAD. Ipsilateral carotid bruit was detec ted in all patients and objective tinnitus was present in eight cases. The intensity of the carotid bruit was louder than the objective tinn itus in all patients. Carotid artery stenosis was confirmed in all pat ients with noninvasive vascular flow mapping. Atherosclerotic carotid artery disease should be highly suspected in patients with pulsatile-o bjective tinnitus who are older than 50 years and have associated card iovascular risk factors. Pulsatile tinnitus in these patients can be t he first manifestation of ACAD. Duplex ultrasound study of the carotid arteries can confirm the diagnosis. Consultation with a vascular surg eon is essential in selected cases.