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Review
. 2022;10(4):377-384.
doi: 10.1007/s40136-022-00438-x. Epub 2022 Nov 29.

Investigations and Outcomes for Olfactory Disorders

Louis Luke  1   2 , Liam Lee  2 , Lavandan Jegatheeswaran  1 , Carl Philpott  1   2
Affiliations
Review

Investigations and Outcomes for Olfactory Disorders

Louis Luke et al. Curr Otorhinolaryngol Rep. 2022.

Abstract

Purpose of review: To provide a detailed overview of the investigations and core outcome measures for olfactory disorders.

Recent findings: Olfactory disorders can have a detrimental impact to the quality of life of patients. There are a wide range of causes of olfactory loss including sinonasal conditions, idiopathic, post-head trauma or infection. This review highlights the key investigations and reasoning for their use to clinically assess and research patients with olfactory disorders. In addition, this review outlines the core outcome measures for olfaction that will help inform future research in olfactory disorders.

Summary: A systematic approach with history taking and examination particularly with nasal endoscopy can determine the cause of the olfactory disorder in most cases. Specific olfactory disorder questionnaires can demonstrate the impact on quality of life, while psychophysical testing can objectively assess and monitor olfaction over time. Olfactory-evoked potentials and functional MRI are reserved for research, whereas CT and MRI imaging are used depending on history and examination. A core outcome set for olfaction has been developed that will help standardise the outcome measures used in olfaction and olfactory disorders research.

Keywords: Anosmia; Hyposmia; Investigation; Olfaction; Olfactory disorders; Outcome.

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Conflict of interest statement

Competing InterestsCP reports grants from NIHR, ESPRC, and ENT UK; and personal fees from Stryker, Abbott, and Olympus, outside the submitted work; and Trustee of Fifth Sense. The other authors declare no competing interests.

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