Magnetic resonance imaging findings in patients with idiopathic olfactory dysfunction and normal findings on nasoendoscopy

Objective: In presentations of anosmia or dysosmia, magnetic resonance imaging may be required to screen for intracranial pathology such as olfactory neuroblastomas and other intracranial masses impacting on the olfactory pathway. This study aimed to establish positive magnetic resonance imaging findings of anosmia or dysosmia for scans performed before the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.

Methods: The study examined the outcome of patients who presented with isolated olfactory dysfunction and who underwent magnetic resonance imaging between 2015 and 2019.

Results: Of the 131 patients, 41 (31.3 per cent) had normal scan findings, 50 (38.2 per cent) had insignificant paranasal mucosal disease and 6 (4.6 per cent) had mucosal thickening significant enough to require additional intervention. These interventions included repeat nasoendoscopy or commencement of intranasal or oral steroids. No patients had olfactory neuroblastoma.

Conclusion: Only 4.6 per cent of the magnetic resonance imaging scans revealed abnormal findings related to anosmia or dysosmia, and none required ENT surgical intervention. None of the magnetic resonance imaging scans identified an olfactory neuroblastoma or intracranial masses impacting on the olfactory pathway