Functional septorhinoplasty alters brain structure and function: Neuroanatomical correlates of olfactory dysfunction

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Otolaryngology
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Previous studies showed structural plasticity in olfactory networks after chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) treatment.
• Olfactory dysfunction (OD) is a common issue with various causes beyond CRS.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate structural plasticity in central olfactory networks after functional septorhinoplasty (fSRP) in patients with non-CRS OD.
• To explore the mechanisms by which fSRP improves olfactory function.

Main Methods:

• Pilot prospective multimodal neuroimaging study.
• 20 participants undergoing fSRP (non-CRS OD and normosmic controls).
• Pre- and post-operative psychophysical olfactory testing, nasal airway assessment, and neuroimaging.

Main Results:

• Significant improvement in olfactory scores post-fSRP.
• Associated structural and functional plasticity in the central olfactory network (ACC, OFC, insula, temporal pole).
• Improved olfactory scores correlated with increased bilateral nasal airflow, not symmetry.

Conclusions:

• Central olfactory network regions are important structural correlates of olfactory function/dysfunction.
• fSRP improves olfaction through neuroplasticity linked to enhanced nasal airflow.
• Potential for these regions as biomarkers for OD and fSRP as a treatment.