Evaluation of Sella Turcica Shape and Dimensions in Cleft Subjects Using Cone-Beam Computed Tomography

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the morphology of the sella turcica and measure its size in cleft and noncleft subjects. Material and Methods: Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images of 54 individuals (29 males; 25 females) with cleft and 85 (22 males; 63 females) without cleft were used for this study. Syndromic patients with cleft(s) were not included because of possible additional endocrinological and/or morphological disorders. Linear measurements included length, depth, and diameter. The shape of the sella turcica was analyzed in the cleft and noncleft groups. An independent t test was conducted to evaluate differences between genders and groups. One-way ANOVA was used to compare age groups. Results: The length (p < 0.001) of the sella turcica was smaller in noncleft subjects than in cleft subjects. Diameter (p = 0.014) and depth (p = 0.005) showed as constantly increasing from an age < 15 to >25 years in the overall assessment. The distribution of the shape of the sella turcica differed significantly between groups (p < 0.001). Conclusions: In this study, CBCT was used to assess the morphology of the sella turcica. A majority of the subjects with cleft had a flattened sella turcica compared to that of the control group. A shorter length of the sella turcica was more evident in the cleft subjects than in the control group. (C) 2016 S. Karger AG, Basel