Can we smell without an olfactory bulb?

Rombaux, Philippe;Mouraux, André;Bertrand, Bernard;Duprez, Thierry;Hummel, Thomas
(2007) American Journal of Rhinology — Vol. 21, n° 5, p. 548-550 (2007)

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Abstract
BACKGROUND: Lack of an olfactory bulb (OB) is typically associated with anosmia. METHODS: We present a patient with subnormal olfactory function in whom the OB could not be detected with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). RESULTS: Olfactory function was evaluated on two occasions. Orthonasal olfactory function was assessed with the "Sniffin' Sticks" test providing a score equivalent to hyposmia. Retronasal olfactory function was studied with "smell powders" indicating a decreased, but not absence of, olfactory function. Importantly, chemosensory event-related potentials were clearly present in response to olfactory and trigeminal stimuli. CONCLUSION: This indicates that olfactory function may be present in some subjects even when an OB can not be detected with MRI.
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Rombaux, P., Mouraux, A., Bertrand, B., Duprez, T., & Hummel, T. (2007). Can we smell without an olfactory bulb? American Journal of Rhinology, 21(5), 548-550. https://doi.org/10.2500/ajr.2007.21.3067 (Original work published 2007)