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Olfactory dysfunction in multiple sclerosis. Relation to plaque load in inferior frontal and temporal lobes
1Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia 19104, USA. doty@mail.med.upenn.edu
Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences
|February 4, 1999
Summary
Multiple sclerosis (MS) significantly impacts smell identification in many patients. This study links olfactory loss in MS to demyelinating plaques in specific brain regions.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neuroscience
- Ophthalmology
Background:
- The relationship between multiple sclerosis (MS) and olfactory function remains debated.
- Previous research has not definitively established a link or identified underlying mechanisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of olfactory dysfunction in MS patients.
- To correlate olfactory deficits with the presence and location of demyelinating plaques in the brain.
Main Methods:
- Administered the University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (UPSIT) to 26 MS patients.
- Utilized high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to quantify brain lesions.
- Analyzed the correlation between UPSIT scores and plaque burden in specific brain regions.
Main Results:
- 38.5% of MS patients exhibited olfactory loss, ranging from mild to severe.
- A strong negative correlation (Spearman r = -0.94) was observed between UPSIT scores and plaque count in the inferior frontal and temporal lobes.
- No significant correlation was found with plaques in other brain areas.
Conclusions:
- Multiple sclerosis is associated with significant olfactory dysfunction in a substantial portion of patients.
- Demyelinating plaque activity in olfactory-related brain regions provides a physical basis for MS-associated smell loss.
- This is the first study to demonstrate a direct link between MS brain lesions and olfactory impairment.