Quantitative analysis of the olfactory system in tobacco smokers by magnetic resonance imaging

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the quantitative measurements of olfactory anatomical structures (OBV, OSD, and OTL) between tobacco users and non-users using MRI. Materials and Methods: MRI images of tobacco-using patients who presented to the Adiyaman University Training and Research Hospital Radiology Clinic between April 1, 2018, and April 1, 2022, were retrospectively examined. The study included a total of 102 individuals aged 18 to 60, consisting of 32 individuals with a history of tobacco use and 70 individuals in the control group who did not use tobacco. The OBV, OSD, and OTL values of individuals in the tobacco-using group and the control group were analyzed using the coronal 3D FIESTA-C MRI sequence. Results: Tobacco users showed a decrease in OBV, OTL, and OSD. As the duration of tobacco use increased, OBV decreased. There was no correlation between the duration of tobacco use and OSD or OTL. Conclusion: Tobacco use has a suppressive effect on the olfactory system, leading to a volumetric decrease in olfactory pathways. This condition can negatively and permanently affect the sense of smell function. There is a positive correlation between tobacco exposure and shrinkage in the olfactory system.