International Journal of Medical Toxicology and Forensic Medicine (Jan 2025)
Analyzing Morphometrics of Sella Turcica, Foramen Magnum and Mastoid Processes Using Head and Neck Computed Tomography for Sex Determination in Egyptian Adults
Abstract
Background: Recognition of unknown individuals is an essential element in forensics. This study aims to analyze the morphometrics of the sella turcica, foramen magnum (FM), and mastoid process in adult sex determination. In addition, to identify from the previously mentioned parts which is the most efficient single parameter in adult sex determination. In addition, we look forward to correlating the significant efficacy of the previously mentioned parts in sex determination using two or all of them together compared to using one bony part alone. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 60 Egyptian adults (30 men and 30 women) with multislice computed tomography (MSCT) bone window scans of the head and neck obtained for different purposes were included to obtain cranial measurements of the sella turcica, FM, and mastoid triangle area. Results: The Sella turcica anterior-posterior (A-P) diameter of the adult male cases had a Mean±SD of 14.015±2.15 mm compared to 12.851±1.904 mm among adult female cases. The mean maximum FM width (FMW) of men was 32.183±2.126 mm, while that of women was 30.169±2.530 mm. The men’s FM area (FMA) had a Mean±SD of 885.606±124.665 mm2; In women, the Mean±SD were 784.179±140.997 mm2. The mastoid triangle area’s Mean±SD were 778.559±87.218 mm2 among men compared to a mean of 645.215±88.733 mm2 among women. Conclusion: This study determined that sella turcica A-P diameter, mastoid area, FMW, FMA, the maximum length of the right and left occipital condyle (LROC), and length of the left occipital condyle (LLOC) showed significantly higher measures in adult Egyptian males. The best single parameter determining the adult sex was the mastoid triangle area with a cut-off level of 647.22 mm2. The sella turcica A-P diameter, LLOC, and mastoid triangle area represent the best combination of all measured parameters for determining sex in adults. A predictive formula was performed using the best combination in adult cases with an accuracy of 87% in sex determination.
