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.