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Published on: March 18, 2020
Reduced olfactory bulb volume and diminished olfactory function in total laryngectomy patients: a prospective
Bayram Veyseller1, Berke Ozucer, Fadlullah Aksoy
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Bezmiâlem Vakif University Fatih, Istanbul, Turkey. bayveyseller@hotmail.com
Background:
This study was designed to investigate the effects of total laryngectomy on olfactory bulb (OB) volume and olfactory function prospectively. A prospective, longitudinal, randomized study was performed.
Methods:
Fifteen subjects with advanced cancer of the larynx were recruited. The OB volume was measured preoperatively and 6 months postoperatively using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and olfactory function was assessed using the Connecticut Chemosensory Clinical Research Center (CCCRC) test. A detailed otorhinolaryngological examination was conducted and abnormalities that could potentially cause olfactory dysfunction were excluded. An experienced radiologist segmented the MRI coronal slices manually for OB volume measurements.
Results:
The difference between the right and left OB volumes was not significant. OB volume decreased significantly 6 months postoperatively, from 64.2 to 47.1 mm(3) (p < 0.001). The CCCRC test results, scored out of 8, decreased significantly from 5.6 to 2.4 (p < 0.001) and all patients were either anosmic or hyposmic.
Conclusion:
This longitudinal prospective study was the first to examine the cessation of olfactory stimulation in olfactory deficiency resulting from OB functional and structural changes.
