Taste Dysfunction after Endoscopic Endonasal Resection of Olfactory Groove Meningioma: Case Series and Review of the Literature

Purpose: The incidence of ageusia and dysgeusia after endoscopic endonasal (EEA) resection of olfactory groove meningioma (OGM) is not well established despite recognized impairment in olfactory function. Methods: We retrospectively administered a validated taste and smell survey to patients undergoing EEA for resection of OGM at two institutions. Demographics and clinical characteristics were collected and survey responses were analyzed. Results: Twelve patients completed the survey. The median time from surgery was 24 months. The average total complaint score was 5.5 out of 16 [0 -13]. All patients reported a change in sense of smell while only 42 % reported a change in sense of taste. Taste changes did not consistently associate with laterality or size of the neoplasm. Significant heterogeneity existed when rating severity of symptoms. Conclusions: To our knowledge this is the first case series examining taste changes after EEA resection of OGM. Despite universal olfactory dysfunction, only a minority of patients reported a change in their sense of taste. Our findings may improve patient counseling and expectations after surgery.