Sexual dimorphism of maxillary sinuses in adult population using cone-beam computed tomography. A pilot study

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to evaluate the sexual dimorphism of maxillary sinuses (MS) using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT).

Method: A total of 80 CBCT scans were taken from Peruvian patients aged between 20 and 70 years-old. The dimensions (length, width, and height) of the MS were measured and evaluated. The data were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U test with a significance level of p < 0.05.

Results: The left MS was wider than the right MS. Meanwhile, the right MS was longer than the left MS. In addition, the height of the right and left MS was significantly different in males and females, with p-value of 0.003 and 0.044 respectively. Bigger dimension of height of the MS was found in patients aged between 30 and 39 as well as patients aged between 40 and 49, whereas smaller dimension of height of the MS was found in patients aged between 60 and 70. Furthermore, the height of the right MS was significantly different in dentate and edentulous patients, with p-value of 0.033 and 0.043 respectively. The height of the right MS was predicted at 65 % in males and 70 % in females (p = 0.002).

Conclusion: The morphometry of the maxillary sinuses can be used for predicting sexual dimorphism.

Keywords: Cone-beam computed tomography; Maxillary sinuses; Sexual dimorphism.