Olfactory Functional MRI Using Echo Planar Imaging Methods / 대한이비인후과학회지

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Various olfactory tests have already been proposed in order to clinically assess the olfactory function, for example, UPSIT, T & T olfactometer, CCCRC test, GITU, IV olfaction test. At recent, electro-olfactogram(EOG), olfactorhinometry, olfactory evoked potential, contingent negative variation was tried as the objective olfactory test. OBJECTIVES: We use the functional imaging of MRI which affords the potential for exploring regional pathophysiologic change in living brain as an olfactory function test. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Functional MRI scans of the brain were performed on 5 healthy subjects and 3 patients with olfactory dysfunction. 2 of the patients were diagnosed Parkinson's disease and the other one had basal skull fracture. Then, all subjects were performed CCCRC test. RESULT: 6 of 8 subjects showed significant region of activation in olfactory bulb and tract. Additional region of activation were also observed in amygdala and parahippocampus. Average activation ratio was 3.42+/-2.37%. CONCLUSION: These studies indicate that functional MRI have many limitations but it may be used to evaluate olfactory dysfunction and predict prognosis.