Abstract
The endoscopic, endonasal transcribriform approach (EETA) is an important technique
used to directly access the anterior skull base and is increasingly being used in
the management of olfactory groove meningiomas (OGMs). As this approach requires removal
of the cribriform plate and olfactory epithelium en route to the tumor, patients are
anosmic postoperatively. Here, we report the development of phantosmia and dysgeusia
in two patients who underwent EETAs for OGMs, which has not yet been reported in the
literature. We hypothesize that phantosmia and dysgeusia may result from aberrant
neuronal signals or misinterpretation centrally from the remaining distal portions
of the olfactory and taste pathways. Since EETAs are newer than traditional open craniotomy-based
techniques, reporting these outcomes will be important to appropriately counsel patients
preoperatively.
Keywords
olfactory groove meningioma - transcribriform - phantosmia - dysgeusia - anterior
skull base
