Diagnosis of olfactory dysfunction in chronic rhinosinusitis – a case report and literature review

Czech version

Authors: O. Vorobiov ^1,2 ; K. Janoušková ^1,2 ; K. Mamiňák ^1,2 ; L. Vašina ^2,3 ; P. Dytrych ^4,5 ; N. Pastorková ⁶ ; D. Kovář ^1,2 ; Jaromír Astl ^1,2 ; R. Holý ^1,2
Authors‘ workplace: Klinika otorinolaryngologie a maxilofaciální chirurgie, ÚVN – VFN Praha ¹; 3. lékařská fakulta, Univerzita Karlova, Praha ²; Neurologické oddělení, Vojenská nemocnice Brno ³; Ušní, nosní, krční klinika, FN v Motole, Praha ⁴; 2. lékařská fakulta, Univerzita Karlova, Praha ⁵; Neurologické oddělení, ÚVN – VFN Praha ⁶
Published in: Otorinolaryngol Foniatr, 75, 2026, No. Ahead of Print, pp. 1-6.
Category: Review Article
doi: https://doi.org/10.48095/ccorl2026-002

Overview

Olfaction dysfunction is often underestimated in common medical practice. However, it can seriously affect an individual‘s quality of life. Its incidence has increased in the era of the COVID-19 pandemic. The most common sinonasal cause of olfactory dysfunction is chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). Olfactory dysfunction is a characteristic symptom and is part of the definition of CRS. In this review article, we will focus on both the presentation of two case reports in subjects with CRS and olfactory dysfunction and on current knowledge regarding the comprehensive diagnosis of olfactory dysfunction in CRS. Subjective smell tests are still the gold standard in the diagnosis of olfactory dysfunction in CRS because of their simplicity and accessibility. Special consideration is also given to new objective electrophysiological olfactory tests such as olfactory and trigeminal event-related potentials, which objectively diagnose olfactory and trigeminal pathway function. Their importance in the diagnosis of olfactory dysfunction, not only in CRS, has recently increased. They are already part of the examination algorithms of olfactory dysfunction in some departments. In the era of development of new therapies for CRS such as biological therapy, the importance of objective olfactory tests can be expected to increase.

Keywords:

chronic rhinosinusitis – olfactory dysfunction – smell test – Sniffin’ Stick – OERPs – TERPs

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Prohlášení o střetu zájmů

Autor článku prohlašuje, že nemá žádný střet zájmů v souvislosti s tématem, vznikem a publikací tohoto článku. Tvorba ani publikace tohoto článku nebyly podpořeny žádnou farmaceutickou společností. Toto prohlášení se vztahuje i na všechny spoluautory.

Grantová podpora

Tento výstup vznikl v rámci projektu NU 22-0900493, projektu MO 1012 Ministerstva obrany České republiky a dále v rámci programu Cooperatio, vědní oblasti SURG., Karlova Univerzita.