Abstract
Eleven patients with olfactory disturbances caused by inflammation of the ethmoid sinuses are reviewed, and the functional results of endonasal surgery are evaluated.
Rhinoscopic examination showed the presence of a purulent discharge and mucosal thickening of the superior meatus.
Radiographic examination showed opacity in the ethmoid sinus and the olfactory region.
A standard olfactory acuity test, each side separately in 9 patients and both sides together in 2 patients (20 tests in 11 patients), and an intravenous olfaction test with alinamine were performed before and after surgery.
The standard olfactory acuity test showed that 16 out of 20 (80%) recovered more than 1 grade in the detection threshold, and 15 out of 20 (75%) recovered more than 1 grade in the recognition threshold after endonasal ethmoidectomy.
We conclude that patients with olfactory disturbance caused by ethmoid sinusitis can expect good results of surgical treatment.
