The olfactory system

Diagn Interv Imaging. 2013 Oct;94(10):985-91. doi: 10.1016/j.diii.2013.06.006. Epub 2013 Aug 7.

Abstract

Any dysfunction in olfaction requires a radiological exploration comprising the nasal cavity, the anterior base of the skull, in particular the frontal and temporal lobes. MRI is the reference examination, due to the frontal plane and the T1, T2 volume maps. In the child, aplasia of the olfactory bulbs falls within a polymalformation (CHARGE) or endocrine (Kallman) context. In the adult, rhino sinus disease and meningiomas are the most common etiologies. Frontal or temporal impairment: tumoral or vascular and neurodegenerative disorders (Parkinson's disease) may accompany a loss of olfaction.

Keywords: Brain; Cranial nerves; MRI; Nasal sinus cavities; Scanography.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • CHARGE Syndrome / diagnosis
  • CHARGE Syndrome / pathology
  • Child
  • Cranial Nerve Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Cranial Nerve Neoplasms / pathology
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Frontal Lobe / pathology
  • Humans
  • Image Enhancement / methods*
  • Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / methods*
  • Kallmann Syndrome / diagnosis
  • Kallmann Syndrome / pathology
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods*
  • Olfaction Disorders / diagnosis*
  • Olfaction Disorders / pathology
  • Olfactory Bulb / abnormalities
  • Olfactory Bulb / pathology
  • Olfactory Nerve / pathology*
  • Olfactory Nerve Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Olfactory Nerve Diseases / pathology
  • Parkinson Disease / diagnosis
  • Parkinson Disease / pathology
  • Temporal Lobe / pathology