Author(s)
Jack L. Birkenbeuel BS
Dillon C. Cheung BS
Ronald Sahyouni PhD
Janice T. Chua BA
Joseph AI Choy BS
Edward C. Kuan MD MBA
Affiliation(s)
University of California
Abstract:
Educational Objective: At the conclusion of this presentation, the participants should be able to understand the ability of diagnostic imaging in detecting sinonasal or intracranial neoplasms or any other pathology. Objectives: To review the literature regarding the use of intracranial imaging as a screening method for idiopathic olfactory loss (IOL) and to review the incidence of identifying a sinonasal or intracranial neoplasm, or any other pathology, as a result of this intracranial imaging. Study Design: Systematic review. Methods: A systematic review of published English language literature was performed using PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, and Cochrane databases. Results: Of the 597 available abstracts, 12 met the inclusion criteria for this review. Results varied greatly based on article type. Out of 487 eligible patients, intracranial imaging identified tumors causing IOL in 8 patients (1.6%). Findings ranged from 0% to 4.9% when omitting case reports and case series. Out of 470 eligible patients, intracranial imaging detected any pathology causing IOL in 64 patients (14%). Findings ranged from 0.77% to 36% when omitting case reports and case series. Out of 487 patients eligible IOL patients, 370 (76%) received intracranial imaging, ranging from 53% to 100%. Conclusions: In most cases, diagnostic imaging in IOL patients is frequently ordered, though the overall rate of detecting any pathology is considerable. More studies are needed to evaluate the utility and cost effectiveness of routine intracranial imaging in this setting to rule out tumor.