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Updated: Mar 8, 2026

A Free-breathing fMRI Method to Study Human Olfactory Function
Published on: July 30, 2017
Olfactory cleft computed tomography analysis and olfaction in chronic rhinosinusitis.
Preeti Kohli1, Rodney J Schlosser, Kristina Storck
1Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina.
Olfactory cleft opacification significantly correlates with objective measures of smell in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) patients. Opacification impacts smell identification and threshold, particularly in those with nasal polyposis.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Medical Imaging
- Olfactory Research
Background:
- Computed tomography (CT) volumetric analysis of the olfactory cleft is linked to olfaction in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS).
- Previous studies lacked comprehensive olfactory assessment, leaving the relationship between specific odor perception dimensions and olfactory cleft opacification unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between volumetric olfactory cleft opacification and olfaction using detailed patient-reported and objective measures.
- To determine if correlations differ across olfactory dimensions in CRS patients.
Main Methods:
- Olfaction was assessed using "Sniffin' Sticks" tests and the Questionnaire of Olfactory Disorders in CRS patients.
- Two- and three-dimensional CT scans quantified olfactory cleft opacification.
- Correlations between olfactory metrics and opacification volumes were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Total olfactory cleft opacification was 82.8%, higher in CRS with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP) than CRS without nasal polyposis (CRSsNP).
- Opacification correlated with "Sniffin' Sticks" total scores, threshold, discrimination, and identification (p < 0.001).
- Anterior plane opacification showed the strongest correlation with objective olfaction.
Conclusions:
- Olfactory cleft opacification is significantly correlated with objective olfactory function in CRS patients.
- Threshold perception correlated with opacification in CRSsNP, while all olfactory dimensions correlated in CRSwNP.
- Findings highlight the impact of olfactory cleft opacification on smell perception in CRS.
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