Congenital anosmia: our experience of eleven patients with aplasia or hypoplasia of the olfactory tract.

Abstract

Anosmia is present in approximately 1% of the population and can have a significant impact on quality of life 1. In contrast to acquired anosmia, congenital anosmia is a relatively rare condition characterized by a complete lack of olfactory perception and the aplasia or hypoplasia of the olfactory bulb. Kallmann syndrome (congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and anosmia) is the best known condition assoicated with congenital anosmia 2,3. Kallmann Syndrome has a prevalence of around 1 in 8000, and is five times more common in men than women 2,3. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.