Sexual dimorphism assessment through morphological analysis of the sella turcica in multislice computed tomography...

The sella turcica (ST) is a depression located within the sphenoid bone in the middle cranial fossa. It houses the pituitary gland and serves as a crucial cephalometric landmark for craniofacial growth assessment. Given that several studies have analyzed its dimensions using imaging, some researchers have proposed evaluating its morphology in relation to sex, considering it a potential structure for human identification in forensic anthropology. This study aimed to assess sexual dimorphism through morphological evaluation of the ST in multislice computed tomography (MSCT) scans of individuals from Northern and Northeastern Brazil. A cross-sectional observational study was conducted using 200 MSCT scans equally distributed between sexes, from individuals aged 18 to 49 years. Sagittal sections were analyzed using RadiAnt software, based on morphological classifications proposed by Axelsson (normal, oblique anterior wall, pyramidal, double contour, bridging, and dorsum irregularity) and Yasa (oval, round, and flat). Descriptive analyses of qualitative data and correlations between ST morphology and sex were performed. Morphological correlations showed that the normal form was significantly more frequent in males (80%) than females aged 18-29 years (P=0.005). Conversely, the oblique anterior wall was more prevalent in females (23.1%) within the same age range (P=0.002). The round shape was significantly more common in young males (43.1%) compared to females (P=0.026), while the flat shape was more frequent in young females (61.5%) (P=0.023). Other morphological types showed no significant sex differences across age groups. Based on this study, morphological features such as the normal shape, oblique anterior wall, round, and flat types serve as predictors of sexual dimorphism in individuals under 30 years of age.