High-riding jugular bulb presenting as conductive hearing loss

Abstract 

The superior border of the jugular bulb normally lies below the hypotympanum. However, in rare cases, the jugular bulb may extend upwards elevating the floor of the hypotympanum and presenting in the middle-ear space. We present a case of a child with a bone-covered jugular bulb that mimicked the appearance of a mass impinging on the round window niche causing conductive hearing loss. In addition to a cholesteatoma or neoplasm, a bone-covered jugular bulb should also be considered when formulating a differential diagnosis in patients with similar clinical and radiologic findings.

Keywords: Temporal bone, High-riding jugular bulb, Conductive hearing loss