Dehiscence of the jugular bulb and vestibular aqueduct: findings on 200 consecutive temporal bone computed tomography scans

OBJECTIVE: To determine the incidence of dehiscence between the vestibular aqueduct and the jugular bulb on computed tomography (CT) scans and assess its implication as a cause of dizziness or hearing loss. METHODS: Two hundred temporal bone CT scans were evaluated for the prevalence of dehiscence between the jugular bulb and vestibular aqueduct. Correlation of the imaging findings and clinical data was performed. RESULTS: A total of 11.5% of patients had dehiscence of the jugular bulb with the vestibular aqueduct; 75% of these cases occurred on the right side and in the setting of a high jugular bulb. Nine (39.1%) of 23 patients with dehiscence had dizziness, and 11 (47.8%) had hearing loss. The correlation between the incidence of dizziness, hearing loss, and dehiscence was not significant. CONCLUSION: The incidence of a dehiscent jugular bulb with a vestibular aqueduct is 11.5%. The prevalences of vertigo and hearing loss associated with this finding are 39.1% and 47.8%, respectively. The depiction of dehiscent jugular bulb-vestibular aqueduct should be considered with caution as the sole cause of symptoms.