Persistent anosmia and olfactory bulb atrophy after mulga (Pseudechis australis) snakebite

Abstract

Loss of sense of smell is an intriguing yet under-recognised complication of snakebite. We report olfactory function testing and neuroimaging of the olfactory bulbs in a 30-year-old man with anosmia persisting for more than 1 year after mulga (Pseudechis australis) snakebite. This problem was first noted by the patient 1 week after being definitely bitten in Queensland, Australia. He had then presented to a regional hospital where his envenomation was considered mild enough to not warrant antivenom administration. A week later the patient noted a reduction of sense of smell, which progressed to complete inability to smell over the ensuing weeks. On clinical review the patient's neurologic an..