A computed tomography study on the olfactory fossa in dried skulls

Abstract

Purpose: The computed tomography (CT) study investigates the olfactory fossa (OF) morphometry and morphology.

Methods: Fifty Greek adult dried skulls were macroscopically investigated for the detection of the OF morphological patterns and after a multiplanar CT reconstruction, the OF morphometry was accurately calculated using a digital ruler.

Results: Types I and II surface contour patterns were the most frequently identified (36 and 32%), followed by types III, IV, and V (16, 12, and 4%). Crista galli mean length, height, and width were 19.46 ± 2.34 mm, 12.69 ± 2.7 mm, and 5.18 ± 1.11 mm. The OF mean maximum length was 22.29 ± 2.16 mm on the right and 22.10 ± 2.44 mm on the left side, and symmetry was detected. The OF median values of the maximum depth for its anterior, middle, and posterior third were 4.91 mm, 4.72 mm, and 2.78 mm on the right and 4.55 mm, 4.75 mm, and 2.55 mm on the left side. Symmetry was observed in any third of the OF. The OF median values of the surface maximum width for the anterior, middle, and posterior thirds were 9.29 mm, 11.48 mm, and 13.07 mm. A significant gradual increase of the OF surface maximum width was detected in the anteroposterior direction in the total sample (p < 0.001), with the highest value (23.12 mm) in the posterior third. A significant (p < 0.001) very strong (r_s = -0.798) and a moderate (r_s = -0.524) negative linear correlation in the OF anterior and middle third were, respectively, identified between its maximum depth and width. No gender impact was identified.

Conclusions: The study helps to familiarize with the calculation of the OF dimensions and simplifies the understanding of its complex anatomy, to reach successful surgical planning and minimize perioperative complications.

Keywords: Computed tomography; Cribriform plate; Morphology; Morphometry; Olfactory fossa; Skull base.