Analysis of sphenoid sinus and ethmoid sinus volume and asymmetry by sex: A 3D-CT study

To measure the volume of the sphenoid and ethmoid sinuses and to analyse the asymmetry index values by age/gender.

Three-dimensional (3D) Computed Tomography (CT) images of 150 individuals (75 females, 75 males) of both sexes between the ages of 18-75 were included in our study. Sphenoid and ethmoid sinus volumes were measured using the 3D Slicer software package on these images, and the asymmetry index was calculated.

In our study, mean sphenoid sinus volume (female right: 4264.4 mm³, left: 3787.1 mm³; male right: 5201.1 mm³, left: 4818.2 mm³) and ethmoid sinus volume (female right: 3365.1 mm³, left: 3321.2 mm³; male right: 3440.9 mm³, left: 3459.5 mm³) were measured in males and females. Left sphenoid sinus values of males were statistically higher than females (p = 0.036). No statistically significant relationship existed between age, sinus volumes, and asymmetry index (p > 0.05). A statistically weak positive correlation existed between males' left sphenoid and ethmoid sinus volume (rho = 0.288; p = 0.012). There was no statistical relationship between asymmetry index in the whole group (p > 0.05). A statistically weak negative correlation was found between sphenoid and ethmoid sinus asymmetry index in males (rho=-0.352; p = 0.002). There was no statistical relationship between asymmetry index in females (p > 0.05).

Knowing paranasal sinus morphology, morphometry, and asymmetry index value will be significant for preoperative and postoperative periods.