Avaliação do dimorfismo sexual através da análise morfológica da sela túrcica em tomografias computadorizadas Multislice

Abstract

The sella turcica (ST) is a depression located inside the sphenoid bone, in the middle cranial fossa. It is characterized by housing the pituitary gland and is important as a cephalometric landmark for assessing craniofacial growth. As several studies have evaluated the dimensions of this structure in imaging exams, authors have proposed evaluating its morphology in comparison with sex, as a potential structure for human identification in forensic anthropology. This research aims to analyze sexual dimorphism by evaluating the morphology of the sella turcica (ST) in multislice computed tomography (MSCT) images of individuals from the North and Northeast of Brazil. A cross-sectional observational study was carried out with 200 MSCT scans distributed equally between the sexes, with ages ranging from 18 to 49 years. The images were analyzed using sagittal sections in the RadiAnt software, according to the morphological classification of Axelsson (normal, oblique anterior wall, pyramidal, double contour, bridge and irregularity of the dorsum) and Yasa (oval, round and flat). A descriptive analysis of the qualitative data and correlations of ST morphology according to sex (male or female) were carried out. By correlating the morphological classifications of the ST with age and sex, it was found that normal morphology was significantly more frequent in men (80%) than in women in the 18-29 age group (p = 0.005). On the other hand, the oblique anterior wall was more prevalent in women (23.1%) than in men in the same age group (p = 0.002), the round shape was significantly more prevalent in young men (43.1%) than in women (p = 0.026), while the flat shape was more frequent in young women (61.5%) than in men (p = 0.023). The other shapes showed no significant differences between the sexes, regardless of age group. Based on this study, morphological parameters such as normal shape, oblique anterior wall, round and flat are predictors of sexual dimorphism in individuals under 30 years of age.