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Olfactory cleft disease: an analysis of 13 cases
Bernard Biacabe1, Patrick Faulcon, Laurent Amanou
1Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Biocicaut Hospital, Faculty of Medicine Necker Enfants-Malades, University Paris V, Paris France. bernard.biacabe@wanadoo.fr
Summary
Olfactory cleft disease, characterized by smell impairment and olfactory cleft abnormalities, involves diverse pathologies. Medical therapy improved smell in 25% of patients, but further research is needed for surgical indications.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Rhinology
- Diagnostic Imaging
Background:
- Olfactory cleft disease is defined by olfactory disability and abnormalities within the olfactory cleft.
- Pathologic processes can be malformative, inflammatory, or a combination.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe clinical and radiologic findings of olfactory cleft disease.
- To evaluate the impact of medical therapy on olfactory function.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of 13 patients meeting olfactory cleft disease criteria.
- Utilized ENT examination, endoscopic evaluation, and computed tomography (CT) scans.
- Olfactory threshold tests were performed before and after medical treatment.
Main Results:
- Olfactory disability was the primary symptom; 75% had chronic rhinosinus dysfunction.
- Identified malformative and inflammatory processes, including those with anatomical deformities.
- Medical therapy (oral and topical steroids) improved olfactory thresholds in 25% of patients.
Conclusions:
- Olfactory cleft disease encompasses varied pathophysiologic mechanisms.
- CT scanning is crucial for diagnosis.
- Surgical indications require further definition post-medical therapy failure.