Reversible hyposmia caused by intracranial tumour.

Abstract

Two patients with hyposmia caused by an intracranial tumour recovered olfactory functions after craniotomy. The first case was a 68-year-old male with a tumour metastasized from the lung to the right frontal lobe. The second case was a 75-year-old male with meningioma of the right frontal lobe. Results of T & T olfactometry and venous olfaction tests also indicated suspected central hyposmia. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) indicated compression of the frontal lobe by intracranial tumour. Pressure on the olfactory centre located in the frontal lobe produced hyposmia. Decompression of the frontal lobe by craniotomy improved the sense of smell. Therefore, some cases of olfactory disturbance caused by intracranial tumour may be reversible if they are the result of simple compression of the olfactory centre.

• Authors: T Ishimaru, T Miwa, M Nomura, M Iwato, M Furukawa
• Journal: The Journal of laryngology and otology (J Laryngol Otol) Vol. 113 Issue 8 Pg. 750-3 (Aug 1999) ISSN: 0022-2151 [Print] England
• PMID: 10748854 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Topics

• Aged
• Brain Neoplasms (secondary)
• Frontal Lobe
• Humans
• Lung Neoplasms
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging
• Male
• Meningeal Neoplasms (complications)
• Meningioma (complications)
• Olfaction Disorders (etiology, surgery)
• Olfactory Pathways