Morphometric Analysis of Sella Turcica Using Cone Beam Computed Tomography

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess morphological shape and morphometric analysis of the sella turcica using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) in different planes of section (coronal and sagittal).

Materials and Methods: CBCT images of 177 subjects of which 51 males and 126 females in the age group of 11 to 73 years were included in the study population. Linear dimensions which include the length, depth, diameter, and interclinoid distance were measured and the shape of sella turcica was analyzed.

Results: Sella turcica had circular morphology in 69.5% of the subjects while flattened shape of sella turcica was observed in 16.4%, oval shape of sella turcica in 14%. There was no significant difference in the all measurements of sella turcica between males and females (P > 0.05). Diameter (P < 0.01), depth (P < 0.001), length (P < 0.05), and interclinoid distance (P < 0.05) of the sella turcica differed significantly with age.

Conclusions: The anatomical structure of sella turcica can be studied effectively in CBCT images. Linear dimensions and shape of sella turcica in the current study can be used as reference standards for further investigations.