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Changes in olfactory function and olfactory bulb after treatment for acromegaly.
Nazan Degirmenci1, Hasan Bektas2, Erol Senturk3
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Bezmialem Vakif University, Istanbul, Turkey. nzndegirmenci@hotmail.com.
Summary
Acromegaly patients often experience olfactory dysfunction, with larger olfactory bulbs but poorer smell function compared to healthy individuals. Early assessment of smell is crucial for managing acromegaly.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Neuroscience
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Acromegaly is a disorder caused by excess growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1).
- Olfactory dysfunction can impact quality of life and is increasingly recognized in endocrine disorders.
- Clinical Trial NCT04138537.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate olfactory function in acromegaly patients.
- To explore potential causes of olfactory dysfunction in this population.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study compared 52 acromegaly patients (postoperative) with 52 healthy controls.
- Olfactory function was assessed using the Connecticut Chemosensory Clinical Research Center (CCCRC) test.
- Olfactory bulb (OB) volumes were measured using imaging techniques.
Main Results:
- Acromegaly patients demonstrated significantly poorer olfactory function (lower mean CCCRC scores) compared to controls (p=0.000).
- Patients with acromegaly had significantly larger mean right and left olfactory bulb volumes than controls (p=0.004).
Conclusions:
- Acromegaly is associated with olfactory dysfunction, characterized by impaired smell despite enlarged olfactory bulbs.
- Routine olfactory function assessment is recommended at diagnosis and during follow-up for acromegaly patients.
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