Diagnostic and surgical standards for cerebral tinnitus from internal jugular vein narrowing

Evaluation Criteria, Diagnostic Criteria, Surgical Indications, and Establishment of Surgical Standards for "Cerebral Tinnitus Syndrome" Caused by Internal Jugular Vein Stenosis.

This trial will try a surgical procedure (atlas transverse process mastoidectomy with lysis and perfusion) to see if it relieves cerebral tinnitus symptoms in adults whose symptoms are linked to internal jugular vein stenosis.

Quick facts

• Phase: Not applicable
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 369 (estimated)
• Ages: 18 Years to 75 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University (Academic / other)
• Locations: 1 site (Beijing, Beijing Municipality)
• Trial ID: NCT07560280 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

The trial enrolls adults with persistent symptoms of Cerebral Tinnitus Syndrome and imaging evidence of internal jugular vein stenosis (≥50%). After excluding other known causes, participants undergo atlas transverse process mastoidectomy with lysis and perfusion as the interventional treatment. The project aims to define diagnostic criteria, surgical indications, and standardized operative techniques for IJVS-related cerebral tinnitus. Outcomes and follow-up will be used to create systematic standards where current evidence is mostly limited to case reports.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults aged 18–75 who have had Cerebral Tinnitus Syndrome symptoms for at least three months and imaging-confirmed internal jugular vein stenosis (≥50%) with other causes preliminarily excluded are the ideal candidates.

Not a fit: Patients without imaging-confirmed IJVS, those with other established causes of intracranial sounds, or those with severe systemic disease or prior relevant cranial surgery are unlikely to benefit from this surgical approach.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could reduce tinnitus and related symptoms and provide clear diagnostic and surgical guidance for patients with IJVS-linked cerebral tinnitus.

How similar studies have performed: Existing literature on IJVS-related cerebral tinnitus is primarily case reports and small series, so systematic evidence and consistent success data are currently limited.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Age between 18 and 75 years, with no gender restriction.
2. Presence of one or more symptoms associated with "Cerebral Tinnitus Syndrome," with a duration of at least 3 months.
3. Following a detailed medical history and comprehensive physical examination, other known causes of cerebral tinnitus are preliminarily excluded, with suspected internal jugular vein stenosis (IJVS) as the cause.
4. Imaging studies (e.g., jugular ultrasound, cervical venous CT venography (CTV)) show significant stenosis in the internal jugular vein (stenosis degree ≥50%).
5. The patient has provided informed consent and voluntarily agrees to participate in the study, with a signed informed consent form.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Patients with a history of cranial surgery or diagnosed intracranial space-occupying lesions.
2. Patients with severe cardiac, hepatic, or renal insufficiency, or other systemic diseases.
3. Patients who have undergone any surgical or interventional procedures affecting jugular venous flow within the last 6 months.
4. Patients with a history of psychiatric disorders or cognitive impairment who cannot complete study evaluations.
5. Pregnant or breastfeeding women.

Where this trial is running

Beijing, Beijing Municipality

• Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University — Beijing, Beijing Municipality, China (Recruiting)

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Zhiqiang Hu

Conditions Jugular Vein Anomaly; Diagnostic Self Evaluation; Nerosurgery; Assessment, Self; Non-randomized Controlled Clinical Trial