Evaluation of olfactory bulbus volume and olfactory sulcus depth by 3 T MR.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate olfactory bulbus volume (OBV) and olfactory sulcus depth (OSD) according to age and sex with 3 T MRI in a healthy Turkish population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the current study, 200 patients who had cranial MRI were retrospectively evaluated. They were divided into the following groups to examine the effects of age group 1 18-30 years old; group 2 31-40 years old; group 3 41-50 years old; group 4 51-60 years old; and group 5 >60 years old. OBV and OSD measurements were performed on coronal T2-weighted brain MR images. The mean right and left olfactory bulb volume and sulcus depths were used for evaluation. RESULTS: The mean age was 46.5 ± 18.1 (range 18-86) years. The mean OBV value of both sides was 91.17 ± 7.8 mm 3 in all patients. The mean OSD value of both sides was 8.62 ± 0.84 mm in all patients. There was no statistically significant difference in OBV and OSD between sexes (P < 0.236; P < 0.482). Group 5 (>60 years old) was found to have significantly lower OBV and OSD values than the other groups (all P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The normal values of OBV and OSD should be established according to age to determine decreased OBV and OSD values.