anosmia
The loss of the sense of smell is an unusual symptom which
should be taken seriously. It is frequently associated with
decreased appetite since the olfactory sense plays a large role in
food palatability. Significant weight loss may ensue.
Diagnostic considerations:
- nasal obstruction: polyps, sinusitis
- trauma
- viral illness
- Kallman syndrome (a/w hypogonadism)
- neurosyphilis
- mass lesion (e.g., meningioma)
- zinc deficiency
REF: Scott WW Jr, Scott PP. Consultation in Diagnostic Imaging.
pp. 230-231.
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© 2002, C.E. Kahn, Jr.
2002-04-18