[Pulsatile tinnitus caused by ectopic blood vessels in the middle ear area. Contribution to the differential diagnosis of glomus jugulare tumor].

Two cases of aberrant internal carotid arteries and three cases of high bulb of the internal jugular veins located in the middle ear cavity are presented. Preoperatively the patient should be questioned about dependence of the bruit on situations altering the blood-pressure. With regard to the differential diagnosis of glomus jugulare tumours, vascular abnormalities must be taken into account - even though they are rare. CT findings should be interpreted critically.