Abstract
Objectives:
There is still a debate about the relation of olfactory bulb volume (OBV) to olfactory function. Many studies suggest that olfactory deprivation decreases olfactory bulb volume. The aim of this study was to compare the olfactory threshold and olfactory bulb volume of patients with nasal polyps and healthy individuals.
Methods:
This was a case control study that was carried out in Valiasr hospital of Tehran University of Medical Sciences in 2010-2011. 22 patients with nasal polyps were compared with 37 healthy individuals. Olfactory threshold test and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were performed in all participants. Age, gender, left OBV, right OBV, total OBV, and olfactory threshold were recorded.
Results:
There was no significant difference between the age, gender, and olfactory bulb volume of patients of the two groups (P > 0.05). However, the difference between olfactory threshold of the two groups was significant (P < 0.0001). Also, olfactory function and threshold showed no significant relation with olfactory bulb volume (P > 0.05).
Conclusions:
The results of this study show that MRI and OBV cannot be trusted in determining the olfactory function of patients with nasal polyps. However, further research needs to be done in order to establish this relationship. Also, considering the duration of olfactory dysfunction may be helpful in this research.
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