Volumetric and three-dimensional examination of sella turcica by cone-beam computed tomography: reference data for guidance to pathologic pituitary morphology

Background: The aim of the study was to assess the dimensions and volume of sella turcica in healthy Caucasian adults with normal occlusion and facial appearance from cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images. Materials and methods: CBCT images of 80 Caucasian adult patients (40 males, 40 females) with normal facial appearance and occlusion taken previously for diagnostic purposes were evaluated. Two groups were constructed in accordance to gender. The volume, length, diameter, and depth of the sella turcica were measured by Romexis software programme. Mann-Whitney U test and Independent t-tests were used for statistical analysis. Results: The mean lengths of the sella were 9.9 mm and 10.2 mm, depths were 9.2 mm and 8.8 mm and diameters were 12.3 mm and 12.1 mm in female and male groups, respectively. Between the genders, no statistically significant differences were found for any of the measurements. There were significantly higher values for the volume of sella turcica in males than in females (1102 ± 285.3 mm3 and 951.3 ± 278.5 mm3, respectively). Conclusions: The dimensions of sella turcica in healthy Caucasian adults with normal occlusion and facial appearance revealed nonsignificant differences between the genders. Individual variability in dimensions and gender differences in the volume are of importance in comparison of patients with craniofacial syndromes and aberrations. Knowledge concerning the dimensions and volume of sella turcica will be clinically relevant for a guidance to consciously realize pituitary disorders

Craniofacial Evaluation of Class I Turkish Adults: Bimler Analysis

Objective:The aim of this study was to evaluate the facial type and skeletal relationships of Class I Turkish male and female adults by using Bimler cephalometric analysis.Materials and Method:The study sample included 82 randomly selected Turkish adults (42 female, 40 male) with an age range of 18–23 years. Cephalometric measurements defined by Bimler were used to determine skeletal relationships, including his suborbital facial index on lateral cephalometric radiographs. Variance analysis (ANOVA) was used for statistical assessment of the results.Results:The whole sample was found to be in the medium range according to Bimler. For all parameters, except the mandibular flexion (Cgo/CV), which showed hyperflexion with a mean 4.23° in female patients and 3.78° in male patients, Turkish adults show appropriate characteristics as defined by Bimler. There were no significant differences between men and women in most of the angular and linear measurements. Craniofacial height and depth values were significantly higher in men, showing a sex-based difference (p<0.001), whereas differences between the sexes concerning suborbital facial index (H/D) were nonsignificant.Conclusions:Ranges of Turkish population show similarity to those reported by Bimler. The whole sample was found to be in the medium range according to Bimler. Craniofacial height and depth values were significantly higher in men, showing sex-based difference. The mandible showed hyperflexion in both groups which indicates reduction of the height of the middle part of the face