Calcification of the olfactory bulbs in three patients with hyposmia

Abstract

An estimated two million Americans suffer from chemosensory disorders. We present the clinical and imaging findings in three hyposmic patients with bilateral olfactory bulb calcification detected by CT. To our knowledge, these are the first cases of olfactory bulb calcification reported in the literature. A review of the literature concerning calcification of cranial nerves, olfactory neuritis, and the potential etiology and clinical significance of olfactory bulb calcification in our patients is presented.

Fig 1.

Coronal CT scan from patient 1 demonstrates attenuated, rounded calcifications above the cribriform plate (arrows) in the location of the olfactory bulbs.

Fig 2.

Patient 2. A, Coronal CT image shows attenuated calcification in the location of the olfactory bulbs (arrows) similar to that seen in patient 1. B, Coronal T2-weighted MR image demonstrates markedly hypointense signal in the olfactory bulbs (arrows) corresponding to the areas of calcification noted on the corresponding CT scan (A). No other anterior cranial fossa lesions were identified.

Fig 3.

Patient 3. A, Coronal CT scan shows punctate calcifications in the expected location of the olfactory bulbs (arrows). B, Coronal T1-weighted MR image demonstrates the olfactory bulbs (arrows) before contrast agent administration. C, Postcontrast coronal T1-weighted MR image demonstrates mild enhancement of both olfactory bulbs (arrows).