Expert exchange on Diagnosis and Management of Pulsatile Tinnitus and Cerebral Venous Stenosis between Doctors from HFH and Lariboisiere Paris University Hospital, France

A successful online conference titled “Pulsatile Tinnitus and Cerebral Venous Stenosis: Diagnosis and Management” was held with the participation of specialists from Hanoi French Hospital (HFH) and Lariboisière Paris University Hospital, France, in the fields of neurology and vascular intervention.

The event provided a platform to share the latest knowledge on managing pulsatile tinnitus and cerebral venous stenosis, while strengthening collaboration between healthcare professionals from both hospitals.

The keynote speaker, Dr. Marc Antoine Labeyrie, an interventional neuroradiologist from Lariboisière Paris University Hospital, Sorbonne University, France, presented valuable insights into the diagnosis and treatment of pulsatile tinnitus, a serious condition that significantly affects patients' quality of life.

The HFH medical team, including Assoc. Prof. Vo Thanh Quang, M.D., Ph.D., who has over 40 years of experience in ear, nose, and throat surgery; Dr. Christian Brosset, a neurologist with over 40 years of experience; Dr. Sabrina Stefanizzi, with over 20 years of experience in neurology; and other specialists from Neurology, ENT, Imaging, Anesthesiology, and Intensive Care, as well as the HFH Centre for Vascular Disease Prevention, Diagnosis, and Management, shared their experiences in treating such conditions in Vietnam.

They highlighted a notable case from July 2024, where they performed an innovative procedure on a 50-year-old patient who had suffered from disabling pulsatile tinnitus for 14 years. The patient was diagnosed with symptomatic cerebral venous stenosis following comprehensive investigations.

The patient had been experiencing a constant a whistling sound, along with dizziness, insomnia, and chronic headaches. Despite seeking medical help at various places, the cause of her condition remained undiagnosed.

Through thorough clinical examination, HFH doctors identified cerebral venous stenosis. Collaborating with specialists from Lariboisière Paris University Hospital, they confirmed that the patient suffered from severe stenosis of the right transverse sinus, which explained her years of discomfort. Fortunately, this condition was treatable.

The experts decided to place a stent in the patient's right transverse sinus to remove the obstruction and restore normal blood flow. While arterial stenting is common for many conditions, venous stenting, particularly in the brain, is uncommon in Vietnam.

A team of HFH doctors and Dr. Nguyen Ngoc Cuong, an experienced cerebrovascular intervention specialist, successfully performed the procedure in just over an hour. Their mastery of the technique and use of modern equipment contributed to the success of the operation.

Immediately after the procedure, the patient's tinnitus symptoms in her right ear disappeared entirely, allowing her to return to normal life and enjoy restful sleep for the first time in 14 years.

Dr. Labeyrie emphasized the importance of a detailed clinical examination in selecting appropriate investigations, along with the crucial role of high-quality imaging (cerebral MRI with specific sequences, and CT scans of cerebral vessels).

Approximately 1,500 patients have been treated at the French expert center, with 90 per cent experiencing significant improvement in their tinnitus symptoms and a very low rate of complications.

The event attracted strong interest from doctors and healthcare professionals, providing a valuable opportunity to exchange knowledge and expertise in this area.

It was also part of HFH’s ongoing efforts to enhance its diagnostic and treatment capabilities. The hospital aims to develop effective management strategies for these conditions, particularly by implementing new protocols for treating patients with pulsatile tinnitus and cerebral venous stenosis. While these conditions are not rare, they are often under-diagnosed and untreated in Vietnam.

HFH offers comprehensive care, with a multidisciplinary team overseeing diagnosis and treatment. A specialized consultation for pulsatile tinnitus is now available through the neurology department.