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Olfactory Cleft Length: A Possible Risk Factor for Persistent Post-COVID-19 Olfactory Dysfunction
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Advisor(s)
Abstract(s)
Introduction: To date, little is known about predisposing factors for persistent COVID-19-induced olfactory dysfunction (pCIOD). The objective was to determine whether olfactory cleft (OC) measurements associate with pCIOD risk.
Material and methods: Three subgroups were recruited: group A included patients with pCIOD, group B included patients without olfactory dysfunction following SARS-CoV-2 infection (ntCIOD), and group C consisted in controls without past history of SARS-CoV-2 infection (noCOVID-19). Olfactory perception threshold (OPT) and visual analog scale for olfactory impairment (VAS-olf) were obtained. OC measurements were obtained through computed tomography scans. Results were subsequently compared.
Results: A total of 55 patients with a mean age of 39 ± 10 years were included. OPT was significantly lower in pCIOD patients (group A: 4.2 ± 2.1 vs. group B: 12.3 ± 1.8 and group C: 12.2 ± 1.5, p < 0.001). VAS-olf was significantly higher in pCIOD (group A: 6 ± 2.6 vs. group B: 1.7 ± 1.6 and group C: 1.6 ± 1.5, p < 0.001). OC length was significantly higher in group A (42.8 ± 4.6) compared to group B (39.7 ± 3.4, p = 0.047) and C (39.8 ± 4, p = 0.037). The odd of pCIOD occurring after COVID-19 infection increased by 21% (95% CI [0.981, 1.495]) for a one unit (mm) increase in OC length. The odd of pCIOD occurring was 6.9 times higher when OC length >40 mm.
Conclusion: Longer OC may be a predisposing factor for pCIOD. This study is expected to encourage further research on OC morphology and its impact on olfactory disorders.
Description
Keywords
COVID-19 Hyposmia Length Olfactory cleft Olfactory dysfunction
Citation
Alves de Sousa F, Tarrio J, Sousa Machado A, et al. Olfactory Cleft Length: A Possible Risk Factor for Persistent Post-COVID-19 Olfactory Dysfunction. ORL J Otorhinolaryngol Relat Spec. 2023;85(3):119-127. doi:10.1159/000527141
Publisher
Karger