Evaluation of anterior olfactory nucleus changes on magnetic resonance imaging: Could it be a game changer in smell disorders?

Tekcan Sanli D. E., Yildirim D., Mese I., Yilmaz E., Saatci O., Sanli A. N., ...Daha Fazla

Journal of Laryngology and Otology, cilt.140, sa.1, ss.52-59, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus) identifier identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 140 Sayı: 1
  • Basım Tarihi: 2026
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1017/s0022215125103563
  • Dergi Adı: Journal of Laryngology and Otology
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, BIOSIS, CAB Abstracts, CINAHL, MLA - Modern Language Association Database, Veterinary Science Database
  • Sayfa Sayıları: ss.52-59
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: anosmia, magnetic resonance ımaging, olfactory bulb, olfactory pathways, smell disorders
  • Acıbadem Mehmet Ali Aydınlar Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

Objective. To investigate morphological and signal changes of the anterior olfactory nucleus (AON) on MRI in patients with olfactory dysfunction (OD) of varying aetiologies. Methods. A retrospective analysis of 135 patients with post-COVID-19, post-viral, or post-Traumatic OD was conducted. High-resolution MRI was used to assess AON signal intensity and area, as well as olfactory bulb (OB) morphology. Clinical evaluation included TDI scores and presence of parosmia. Results. AON signal abnormalities were present in 55.5% of cases. Post-COVID patients had significantly lower TDI scores than other groups. While AON signal and morphological differences were observed among aetiologies, consistent correlation with TDI scores was not found, except in limited subgroup analyses. Conclusion. AON abnormalities are common in OD, but do not reliably indicate severity or aetiologies. Further research is needed to determine their clinical relevance.