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Does imaging of the olfactory tract change the clinical management of patients with olfactory disturbance? A case series of 100 consecutive patients

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  27 August 2014

J Powell ,
M Reda Elbadawey  and
I Zammit-Maempel
J Powell*
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK The Institute of Health and Society, Newcastle University, UK
M Reda Elbadawey
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Tanta University, Egypt
I Zammit-Maempel
Affiliation:
Department of Radiology, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
*
Address for correspondence: Mr Jason Powell, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne NE7 7DN, UK Fax: (+44) 191 223 1246 E-mail: jason.powell@doctors.org.uk
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Abstract

Background:

Isolated olfactory dysfunction is a common complaint; the vast majority of cases are benign and untreatable. A common dilemma is whether to image the olfactory tract of affected patients.

Methods:

A case review of 100 consecutive patients who underwent magnetic resonance imaging for the primary complaint of olfactory dysfunction was performed. Patients with a diagnosis of chronic rhinosinusitis, with or without nasal polyps, were excluded.

Results:

Magnetic resonance imaging abnormalities that were considered clinically relevant to the presentation of olfactory dysfunction were found in only seven patients (7 per cent). Of these, only one patient (1 per cent) had an abnormality found that altered their clinical management. A comparison of the findings for children (less than 16 years old, n = 5) with those for adults (equal to or more than 16 years old, n = 95) revealed that 4 per cent of adults scanned had olfactory-related pathology diagnosed, as opposed to 60 per cent of children.

Conclusion:

Cross-sectional imaging may not be necessary in most patients with olfactory dysfunction. Imaging adds little to the patient history and clinical examination findings.

Keywords

OlfactionOlfactory NeuroblastomaAnosmiaCacosmiaMagnetic Resonance Imaging
Type
Main Articles
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 128 , Issue 9 , September 2014 , pp. 810 - 813
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 2014 

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