Computerized Tomographic Assessment of the Normal Dimensions of the Sella Turcica in Adults in Benin City Edo State Nigeria

Abstract

Background: The sella turcica is a saddle-shaped structure in the sphenoid bone and it houses the pituitary gland within the pituitary  fossa. The size of the sella turcica varies from individual to individual and the establishment of the normal standards will aid in the  process of detecting variation from normality in this region. Computed Tomography (CT) is a preferred imaging modality in the study of  sella turcica morphometry.

Objectives: This study aims to determine the normal dimensions of the sella turcica using a CT-scan at  different planes in an adult population in Benin City, and to assess the possible determinants of its size.

Methodology: This was a  prospective study of CT measurement of the normal dimensions of sella turcica in adults which was carried out at the University of Benin  Teaching Hospital, Benin City. The sella turcica was measured on the monitor in different planes using a GE Bright speed series CT  scanner. Data collected was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 16.0. The relationship between the dimensions  of sella turcica with age, sex, weight, height and body mass index were analyzed using Pearson correlation(statistical significance at  p<0.05)

Result: The mean values for the dimensions of sella were 1.08±0.10 cm for height, 1.87±0.12 cm for width and 1.70±0.35 cm for  length. There was no correlation found between the dimensions of the sella turcica and body biometrics.

Conclusion: The normal  reference values for description of the CTdimensions in Benin City were established.