Morphometric Analysis of Sella Turcica Using Cone-Beam Computed Tomography in Patients With Cleft Lip and Palate

The purpose of this study is to evaluate morphometric analysis of sella turcica using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) in patients with cleft lip and palate (CLP) and healthy controls.

Cone-beam computed tomography images of 68 patients (36 males, 32 females, age range 7-20 years) with CLP and 68 healthy individuals (36 males, 32 females, age range 8-19 years) were examined retrospectively. Sella turcica shapes were analyzed by 2 different methods in CLP and control groups. Length, depth, and diameter of sella turcica were measured in both groups. The data were statistically assessed by age, gender using Independent t-test and one-way analysis.

Diameter of sella turcica was smaller in CLP group compared to healthy individuals (P < .05). Length and depth of sella turcica were lower than in control group, but not statistically significant (P > .05). Sella turcica shape significantly differed between groups (P < .05). The most common sella turcica types were flattened and irregular shapes in CLP group, whereas round and normal shapes were in control group. There was no significant difference between groups in any dimension of sella turcica by gender (P > .05). Sella turcica depth was significantly higher at age of 15 years and above in CLP group.

This study showed that flattened and irregular shapes of sella turcica were the most common types in CLP group. Smaller sella turcica was detected in CLP group compared to healthy individuals. Cone-beam computed tomography can be useful for evaluation of sella turcica.