Distinctiveness of the sphenoid sinuses for human identification: A cone beam computed tomography study

Human identification in complex cases, such as charred skeletal remains and advanced decomposition, requires reliable methods to associate the identity of a missing person with an unidentified body. Among the different types of human identification, radiological methods are effective as they generally allow qualitative and quantitative analysis of anatomical, pathological, and therapeutic peculiarities, whose combination of information forms a unique set of characteristics that can lead to a positive identification. In this context, the present study aims to evaluate the distinctiveness of the sphenoid sinuses, and to classify and identify their morphological patterns in the studied population, with potential application for human identification. This retrospective observational study analyzed 91 cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans of Brazilian individuals (34 males; 57 females) over the age of 25 years. A qualitative analysis was performed focusing on the sphenoid sinuses' morphological pattern, as well as their presence, number, and position in sagittal and axial CBCT slices. The sphenoid sinuses were present in 100 % of cases, 48.3 % had one septum, 30.7 % had two septa, and 20.8 % had three intersphenoidal septa. Septa type 3 (in the midline) were the most common (42.9 %; n = 39), while type 4 (slightly left to the midline) were the least frequent (3.3 %; n = 3). In the sagittal section analysis, post-sellar type (IVa) septa were the most frequent (50.5 %; n = 46), while the pre-sellar type septa were the least frequent (14.3 %; n = 13). The turbinate pattern (type I) was not detected in this study. From an anatomical point of view, great morphological and dimensional variability were found between the sinuses. It was possible to observe qualitative and quantitative morphological differences that allow the individualization of the sphenoid sinus, which can support human identification.