[Olfaction disorders: preliminary findings and results in 45 cases].

In this work we present the preliminary results of a retrospective study on 45 cases of disordered sense of smell. Our approach is based on a diagnostic tripod--a thorough history (with a questionnaire for evaluation), clinical examination (nasal endoscopy), and imaging. The mean age of our patients was 42.6 years, and 60% were male. In the aetiological factors there was a predominance of naso-sinus disease (62.2%), especially inflammatory (polyposis of the nose and sinuses), while general causes (metabolic and drug-induced) accounted for 24.4%, and neurological causes a further 13.3% of cases. Treatment resulted in a favourable outcome (with partial or total recovery) in 71.1% of cases, and failed in 26.6%.