Computed Tomography- Based Maxillary Sinus Morphometry: A Tool for Gender Differentiation in Libyan Population

Ashraf Mohamed Elmansori 1, Randa Faraj Salih ², Salima Muftah Aoun ³, Eman A. B. Aguori 4 and Abeer Hussein Amer 5, 6, *

1 Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Benghazi, Benghazi, Libya.
2 Department of Conservative & endodontic dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Benghazi, Benghazi, Libya.
3 Department of prosthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Benghazi, Benghazi, Libya.
4 Department of oral medicine. Faculty of Dentistry, University of Benghazi, Benghazi, Libya.
5 Department of Histology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Benghazi, Benghazi, Libya.
6 Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Libyan International Medical University, Benghazi, Libya.
 
Research Article
Open Access Research Journal of Life Sciences, 2024, 07(02), 017–026.
Article DOI: 10.53022/oarjls.2024.7.2.0028
Publication history: 
Received on 25 March 2024; revised on 04 May 2024; accepted on 07 May 2024
 
Abstract: 
Introduction: In forensic contexts, gender identification is a multifaceted process that involves examining various anatomical characteristics to determine an individual's gender. Recent advancements in medical imaging techniques, such as computed tomography (CT) scans have provided researchers and healthcare professionals with more detailed insights into anatomical differences between genders such as the dimensions of paranasal sinuses.
Aim: This study aimed to compare the maxillary sinus (MS) dimensions between genders in a Libyan sample using CT scans.
Materials and methods: One hundred consecutive Libyan patients, comprising 50 women and 50 men, were included in the study. The Width, height, and length were determined based on CT images. Additionally, the perimeter, area, and volume of the MS were calculated mathematically. The collected data analyzed to compare the MS parameters between genders in both sides. Statistical significance was accepted at p<0.05.
Results: Statistically we found that the length, width and length of the MS were significantly different between male & female in both sides, while there was no significant difference in case of sinus area and volume. The accuracy level for correctly classifying gender based on width of right MS was 91.8%, demonstrating strong predictive power of this parameter. The result showed also that 94 % of males and 90% of females were sexed correctly with an overall accuracy of 92%.
Conclusion: This study highlights the importance of understanding sinus morphology in forensic anthropology for gender determination.
 
Keywords: 
Maxillary Sinus; Computed Tomography; Morphometry; Volume; Gender And Forensic Medicine.
 
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