Fast Five Quiz: COVID-Related Conditions

Michael Stuart Bronze, MD; Vecihi Batuman, MD; Arlen D. Meyers, MD, MBA; Stephen Soreff, MD; Helmi L Lutsep, MD

March 16, 2021

According to consensus guidelines from the BRS and ENT UK, an MRI scan of the brain is not recommended for patients with isolated loss of smell and current COVID-19, regardless of duration of loss of smell. For patients without COVID and loss of smell lasting longer than 3 months, an MRI scan of the brain is recommended if endoscopy findings are normal. Likewise, for patients with unknown COVID status and isolated loss of smell lasting longer than 3 months, an MRI scan of the brain is recommended if endoscopy findings are normal.

For patients with loss of smell associated with nasal symptoms, regardless of COVID status, nasal endoscopy should be performed prior to imaging. However, given the risks associated with endoscopy and its limited availability, imaging may be requested first in selected cases. If endoscopy findings are normal, imaging is recommended (either MRI or CT scan). Unilateral lesions or suspicion of malignancy on endoscopy requires urgent investigation with MRI or CT scan. Benign findings (eg, nasal polyps) should be treated medically before considering imaging.

Alpha lipoic acid is not recommended for patients with loss of smell lasting longer than 2 weeks as an isolated symptom or following resolution of any other COVID-19 symptoms. Oral corticosteroids are not recommended for patients with loss of smell lasting longer than 2 weeks with persistent COVID-19 symptoms.

1 2 3 4 5 6

Next Section

Any views expressed above are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect the views of WebMD or Medscape.

Cite this: Michael Stuart Bronze, Vecihi Batuman, Arlen D. Meyers, et. al. Fast Five Quiz: COVID-Related Conditions - Medscape - Mar 16, 2021.

Comments

Commenting is limited to medical professionals. To comment please Log-in.

Comments on Medscape are moderated and should be professional in tone and on topic. You must declare any conflicts of interest related to your comments and responses. Please see our Commenting Guide for further information. We reserve the right to remove posts at our sole discretion.