Analysis of sphenoid sinus and ethmoid sinus volume and asymmetry by sex: A 3D-CT study.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To measure the volume of the sphenoid and ethmoid sinuses and to analyse the asymmetry index values by age/gender. METHODS: Three-dimensional (3D) Computed Tomography (CT) images of 150 individuals (75 females, 75 males) of both sexes between the ages of 18-75 were included in our study. Sphenoid and ethmoid sinus volumes were measured using the 3D Slicer software package on these images, and the asymmetry index was calculated. RESULTS: In our study, mean sphenoid sinus volume (female right 4264.4 mm3, left 3787.1 mm3; male right 5201.1 mm3, left 4818.2 mm3) and ethmoid sinus volume (female right 3365.1 mm3, left 3321.2 mm3; male right 3440.9 mm3, left 3459.5 mm3) were measured in males and females. Left sphenoid sinus values of males were statistically higher than females (p = 0.036). No statistically significant relationship existed between age, sinus volumes, and asymmetry index (p > 0.05). A statistically weak positive correlation existed between males' left sphenoid and ethmoid sinus volume (rho = 0.288; p = 0.012). There was no statistical relationship between asymmetry index in the whole group (p > 0.05). A statistically weak negative correlation was found between sphenoid and ethmoid sinus asymmetry index in males (rho=-0.352; p = 0.002). There was no statistical relationship between asymmetry index in females (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Knowing paranasal sinus morphology, morphometry, and asymmetry index value will be significant for preoperative and postoperative periods.