CBCT evaluation of variations in the sella turcica in a Turkish population

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to analyse the variations of the sella turcica and their relationship to age and gender. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images of the patients who referred to Gaziantep University, Faculty of Dentistry, Department of Dentomaxillofacial Radiology were analysed by two examiners and 200 CBCT images were evaluated retrospectively. Sella turcica shapes of individuals were described according to Axelsson's classification as either normal or with aberrations including: oblique anterior wall, double contour of the floor, sella turcica bridging, irregularity in the posterior part of the dorsum sella, and pyramidal shape of the dorsum sella. RESULTS: Normal sella turcica was the most common type seen in 100 (49.8%) individuals. The secondary common type was double contour of the floor of sella turcica seen in 46 (22.9%) patients. Thirty-two (15.9%) patients had oblique anterior wall. Seventeen (8.5%) individuals had pyramidal shape of the dorsum sella, 3% irregularity in the posterior part of the sella turcica. None of the patients had sella turcica bridging. Irregularity in the posterior part of the sella turcica and pyramidal shape of the dorsum sella were reported significantly more frequent in female than male. CONCLUSIONS: Sella turcica varies in shape and morphology regardless of age. Normal sella turcica was the most frequent type in the study group. Irregularity in the posterior part of the sella turcica and pyramidal shape of the dorsum sella were reported more frequent in female than male.