Relationship between cervical spinal cord morphometry and clinical disability in patients with multiple sclerosis.

OBJECTIVE: Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease that commonly affects the cervical part of the spinal cord. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between cervical spinal cord atrophy and clinical disability in multiple sclerosis patients. METHODS: We examined the cervical spinal cord area measurements of 64 multiple sclerosis patients and 64 healthy control groups over the images obtained by a T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging device. RESULTS: The C2-3, C3-4, C4-5, and C6-7 axial cross-sectional surface area values of the patient group were statistically lower than those of the control group (p<0.05). A negative correlation was found between patients' Expanded Disability Status Scale scores and C4-5, C5-6, and C6-7 axial area (axial area p<0.05; r1=-0.472, r2=-0.513, and r3=-0.415). CONCLUSION: When all parameters were evaluated, the data of our control group were found to be higher than the multiple sclerosis groups. There appears to be a significant relationship between patients with cervical spinal cord atrophy and an increase in Expanded Disability Status Scale scores.

Differences in the anatomical structure of the uterus between fertile and infertile individuals.

Infertility affects a significant portion of the reproductive population and is caused by structural and hormonal factors. The prevalence of congenital uterine anomalies is 3%-4%, with the most common anomaly being septate uterus. However, further research is needed to determine whether these anomalies can cause infertility. In this study, we compared the morphometric parameters of the uterus of fertile and infertile individuals. Based on the data obtained, we aimed to determine the parameters to be evaluated for fertility prediction and to investigate the effect of uterine septum on fertility. The uteruses of 55 infertile and 80 fertile individuals between the age range of 20-45 years were analyzed retrospectively using magnetic resonance images. Infertile individuals were categorized into two groups according to the reasons for infertility: Group I, which included women with congenital uterine anomalies (septate uterus), and Group II, which included women with tubal and male factors. Group III comprised fertile individuals. Uterine length (UL), uterine body length (UbL), cervical length (CxL), uterine cavity length (UcL), anteroposterior diameter (APD), transverse diameter (TD), fundal thickness (FT), and ostial distance (OD) were measured. The uterine positions were examined. The data of uterine variables were evaluated statistically according to age and groups. The mean ages of individuals in Groups I, II, and III were 29.88 ± 6.69, 29.21 ± 4.59, and 27.45 ± 5.43 years, respectively. Significant differences were observed between the groups in terms of UL, UbL, CxL, UcL, APD, FT, and OD variables (p < 0.05), except for TD (p > 0.05). We observed that UL, UcL, length/width ratio, and APD parameters are important factors that influence fertility. Evaluating these parameters before septum resection would be useful in predicting the contribution of this surgical operation to fertility.

Morphometric and morphological evaluation of the optic canal in three different parts in MDCT images.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to classify the morphometry and variations of optic canal by examining its changes according to gender and body side, and developments according to age. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated the orbit and paranasal sinus computerized tomography images of 200 individuals (age range 3 months-90 years;106 female, 94 male). In this study, three different parts of optic canal in evaluated morphometric and morphological. RESULTS: The intracranial aperture was found to be statistically significantly wide in males than females on both sides (p Ë‚ 0.05). When optic canal types were evaluated, the most common type among healthy individuals was conical type (right: 68%, left:67.5%), and the least common type was irregular type (right and left:1.5%). According to the type of optic waist, the most common was triangle type. CONCLUSION: Considering the possible effect of optic canal size on pathologies, it is important to establish a basis for the parameters of this structure in healthy individuals. In this study, both the morphology and morphometry of the canal as well as variations were examined and it was determined that the structure was affected by gender, body side and age group. Knowledge of anatomic morphometry, variations and complexities arising from these are important for clinical diagnosis and management.

Morphometric evaluation and classification of the superior orbital fissure on 3D MDCT images.

The anatomy of the superior orbital fissure is very important because of the spaces it connects, the regions it is adjacent to, and the structures it contains. We aimed to study the width, length and types of the structure, their change according to gender, body sides, and age. The fissure shape has many variations that are not easy to systematize. Therefore, it was aimed to classify them with various reference points determined for the first time, identify their types and determine their incidence. An objective and comprehensive classification was used on 3-dimensional images using multidetector computed tomography. We retrospectively evaluated the orbit and paranasal sinus computerized tomography images of 200 individuals (age range: 3 months-90 years;106 female, 94 male). The shape of fissure were identified and classified, it is length and width were measured. There was no statistical difference in the length of the fissure according to gender on both sides, and in width only on the left (p˃0.05). On the right side, it was statistically significantly wider in female (p˂0.05). While the fissure types were grouped based on observation in the literature, they were defined more comprehensively according to different shape features by giving a certain reference lines by us for the first time and evaluated over seven types. The most common shape for both sides was racket-shaped type (right: 24.5%, left: 26%), while the least common was narrow type (right: 1%, left: 2%). Thus, the shape variations of structure have gained a systematic typing criterion for the first time with the definitions in our study.

High chitotriosidase and AGE levels in acromegaly: a case-control study.

PURPOSE: Acromegaly is associated with oxidative stress and inflammation parameters. Chitotriosidase (CHITO) is a marker of macrophage activation and plays a pivotal role in the activation of inflammatory and immunological responses. Our study aimed to determine CHITO,YKL-40, advanced glycation end product (AGE), and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) levels to investigate malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities and to evaluate any association of these parameters with carotid intima media thickness (cIMT) in patients with controlled acromegaly. METHODS: Thirty controlled acromegaly patients and 41 age- and sex-matched control cases were studied. We obtained demographic data, hormonal and metabolic parameters, and cIMT. CHITO activity was measured with the fluorometric method of Chamoles et al. YKL-40 and hsCRP levels were measured using ELISA. AGEs were measured based on spectrofluorimetric detection. GSH-Px activity was determined by a colorimetric assay. MDA, SOD, and catalase activities were determined in hemolysis. RESULTS: Higher CHITO, AGE, and hsCRP concentrations were observed in patients with acromegaly compared to controls. SOD levels were non-significantly higher in the acromegaly group, while catalase activities were lower in patients with acromegaly. Correlation analyses of CHITO, AGEs, YKL-40, hsCRP, MDA, catalase, GSH-Px, and SOD with metabolic, anthropometric, and laboratory parameters did not demonstrate any significant correlation (p > 0.05). There was no significant difference between groups with regard to cIMT levels. CONCLUSION: This is the first study investigating CHITO and AGE levels in patients with acromegaly. Serum CHITO, AGE, and hsCRP levels in acromegalic patients were significantly increased. It may be important to evaluate CHITO, AGE, and hsCRP levels in acromegalic patients who are already under cardiometabolic surveillance due to risk of developing cardiovascular disease.

Anatomical variations of the superficial palmar arch in human fetuses.

The superficial palmar arch is an important anatomical structure that contributes to the arterial supply of the palmar side of the hand in the upper extremity. However, there is limited information on the embryological morphological structure of the superficial palmar arch in the literature. We studied the types of the superficial palmar arch and determined their variations by dissecting 80 upper extremities of 40 formalin-fixed human fetuses (19 males, 21 females) 18-37 weeks of age. The types and variations of the superficial palmar arch were examined, and the median artery was imaged. The superficial palmar arch type was complete in 58 hands (72.5%) and incomplete in 22 hands (27.5%). The complete group consisted of type A (47.5%), type B (16.25%), type C (3.75%), type D (1.25%), and type E (3.75%). On the other hand, the incomplete group consisted of type F (15%), type G (8.75%), type H (2.5%), and type I (1.25%). A median artery that originated from the ulnar artery and passed through the carpal tunnel during its course was detected in two hands (2.5%). Knowledge of the superficial palmar arch variations will contribute to hand microsurgery particularly in vascular graft and free flap application interventions for arterial bleeding in the palmar region.

Relationship between cervical spinal cord morphometry and clinical disability in patients with multiple sclerosis

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease that commonly affects the cervical part of the spinal cord. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between cervical spinal cord atrophy and clinical disability in multiple sclerosis patients. METHODS: We examined the cervical spinal cord area measurements of 64 multiple sclerosis patients and 64 healthy control groups over the images obtained by a T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging device. RESULTS: The C2-3, C3-4, C4-5, and C6-7 axial cross-sectional surface area values of the patient group were statistically lower than those of the control group (p<0.05). A negative correlation was found between patients' Expanded Disability Status Scale scores and C4-5, C5-6, and C6-7 axial area (axial area p<0.05; r1=-0.472, r2=-0.513, and r3=-0.415). CONCLUSION: When all parameters were evaluated, the data of our control group were found to be higher than the multiple sclerosis groups. There appears to be a significant relationship between patients with cervical spinal cord atrophy and an increase in Expanded Disability Status Scale scores.

Association Between History of Polymerase Chain Reaction-verified COVID-19 Infection and Outcomes of Subsequent ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction.

While the acute phase of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is associated with worsening cardiac outcomes, it is unclear whether it affects the outcome of patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) after the acute phase. In addition, while many studies compared the course of STEMI during the COVID-19 pandemic with the years before the outbreak, we evaluated the course of STEMI during the pandemic according to whether or not patients had history of COVID-19. Patients diagnosed with STEMI during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic were included in the study. The Ministry of Health database was analyzed retrospectively, and patients with (n = 191) and without (n = 127) a history of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) confirmed COVID-19 infection were divided into groups. Clinical and angiographic characteristics were assessed. The rates of in-hospital major adverse cardiac events (MACE) were higher in those who had a history of PCR-verified COVID-19 infection. Angiographic and procedural findings indicating successful reperfusion were better in patients without a history of COVID-19. A history of COVID-19 infection (odds ratio 1.40, 95% confidence interval 1.25-1.60, P < .01) independently predicted MACE. A history of COVID-19 infection is a predictor of worse outcomes following coronary intervention and in-hospital MACE among patients with STEMI.

Morphometric examination of trigeminal nerve and its adjacent structures in patients with trigeminal neuralgia: a case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Morphological differences that can lead the trigeminal nerve to neurovascular conflict and a new solitary pontine lesion are associated with the pathogenesis of trigeminal neuralgia (TN). In this case-control study, we aimed to contribute to the current discussions about the pathogenesis of TN by investigating the anatomical structures that may have an effect on the morphometric parameters of the trigeminal nerve. METHODS: This study included 25 patients with TN followed up for pain in the Department of Algology, Faculty of Medicine, and 25 age- and gender-matched controls. We performed morphometric measurements including the length and volume of the trigeminal nerve, cerebellopontine cistern, pons, and posterior fossa in the MRIs of these individuals. Comparative analyses were performed for the mean of the affected and unaffected sides of the TN patients and the right, left, and both sides of the control group. RESULTS: In patients with TN, on the affected side, length and volume of the trigeminal nerve and cerebellopontine cistern volume were found smaller than controls (p < 0.05). Pons volume was higher in patients with TN compared to controls (p < 0.05). The length of the affected nerve was significantly related to prepontine cistern length and cerebellopontine cistern volume (p < 0.05). DISCUSSION: The cerebellopontine cistern volume has a significant impact on the morphometric characteristics of the trigeminal nerve. Especially, whether the increase in the volume of pons causes a decrease in the volume of cerebellopontine cistern should be clarified with further research.

External ear anatomy and variations in neonates.

It is aesthetically important that the auricle has a natural and beautiful shape. The sizes, position and symmetry of normal auricle are used for different purposes in different disciplines. A deformation in the auricle of neonates and its size or location on the face may indicate a possible anomaly. The aim of this study is to investigate the normal sizes, anomaly types, anomaly rates and the relationship between hearing screening test results and auricular anomaly of the neonatal auricle. The length, width, angle, and distance measurements of the auricle were made in neonates (n = 550). Anomaly types of auricle were observed. Goniometer was used to measure angles; digital caliper and ruler were used to measure lengths. Anomalies were detected by the method of observation. In the morphometric data of the neonatal auricle, differences were determined in length and width values in terms of gender. Various types of anomalies were observed in the right ear of 96 participants and in the left ear of 103 participants. Normal auricle size, position and symmetry are important for surgical reconstructions, hearing aid design, producing data banks on gender, age and ethnicity, and providing reference information for multiple diagnostic and forensic procedures. Recognition and early detection of auricular anomalies play an essential role in clinical diagnosis and their correction with special devices.

The architecture and operating mechanism of a cnidarian stinging organelle.

The stinging organelles of jellyfish, sea anemones, and other cnidarians, known as nematocysts, are remarkable cellular weapons used for both predation and defense. Nematocysts consist of a pressurized capsule containing a coiled harpoon-like thread. These structures are in turn built within specialized cells known as nematocytes. When triggered, the capsule explosively discharges, ejecting the coiled thread which punctures the target and rapidly elongates by turning inside out in a process called eversion. Due to the structural complexity of the thread and the extreme speed of discharge, the precise mechanics of nematocyst firing have remained elusive7. Here, using a combination of live and super-resolution imaging, 3D electron microscopy, and genetic perturbations, we define the step-by-step sequence of nematocyst operation in the model sea anemone Nematostella vectensis. This analysis reveals the complex biomechanical transformations underpinning the operating mechanism of nematocysts, one of nature's most exquisite biological micro-machines. Further, this study will provide insight into the form and function of related cnidarian organelles and serve as a template for the design of bioinspired microdevices.

Manipulation of Gene Activity in the Regenerative Model Sea Anemone, Nematostella vectensis.

With a surprisingly complex genome and an ever-expanding genetic toolkit, the sea anemone Nematostella vectensis has become a powerful model system for the study of both development and whole-body regeneration. Here we provide the most current protocols for short-hairpin RNA (shRNA )-mediated gene knockdown and CRISPR/Cas9-targeted mutagenesis in this system. We further show that a simple Klenow reaction followed by in vitro transcription allows for the production of gene-specific shRNAs and single guide RNAs (sgRNAs) in a fast, affordable, and readily scalable manner. Together, shRNA knockdown and CRISPR/Cas9-targeted mutagenesis allow for rapid screens of gene function as well as the production of stable mutant lines that enable functional genetic analysis throughout the Nematostella life cycle.

In vitro study of the toxic and teratogenic effects of prednisolone, azathioprine and mycophenolate mofetile on embryological development of rats.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of the glucocorticoid prednisolone, the mycophenolic acid prodrug, azathioprine, and the fungi fermentation end product, mycophenolate mofetile on the embryological development of rats. Nine day-old rat embryos were cultured in rat serum containing prednisolone at varying concentrations (5-30 µg/ml) for 48 h. The test groups were cultured separately in rat serum containing 0.3-10 µg/ml azathioprine and 1-10 µg/ml mycophenolate mofetile. Embryonic development parameter effects of both drugs in combination with prednisolone (20 µg/ml) were studied using morphological methods, with special attention given to the incidence of malformations. The genotoxic effects of agents evaluated with the TUNEL test revealed that prednisolone is not a cause of developmental toxicity. The maximum safe dose of prednisolone that could be used in combination with other immunosuppressive agents was determined to be 20 µg/ml. Azathioprine was found to be toxic and teratogenic for the rat embryos beginning at a dose of 1 µg/ml. Dose-dependent toxic and teratogenic effects of mycophenolate mofetile were detected at doses lower than normal clinical ones.

Diffuse midline glioma in Ollier disease: A case report and a brief review of the literature.

Ollier disease is a rare condition presenting with enchondromas in an irregular distribution within the medullary cavity of bones. The disease is well known for sarcomatous transformation to chondrosarcomas. It also increases the risk of other malignancies like leukemia, ovarian tumors, and glial tumors. Central nervous system malignancies associated with Ollier disease are thought to arise by somatic IDH mosaicism with their atypical features of distribution, multifocality, and age of onset. We present a case with imaging consistent with diffuse midline glioma in a patient with Ollier disease. We conclude with a brief review of the literature on Ollier Disease with a focus on central nervous system malignancies, tumorigenesis and pathophysiology.

Diameter measurements and variations of the hepatic arterial system in multidetector computed tomography images / Mediciones de diámetro y variaciones del sistema arterial hepático en imágenes de tomografía computarizada multidetector

SUMMARY: Liver plays an important role in many events such as bile production, blood filtration and metabolic functions. The liver is supplied by the hepatic arterial system. The hepatic arterial system anatomy has a variable structure and the rate of variation is high. In our study, we aimed to determine the diameters and variation of the arteries supplying the liver with multidetector computed tomography images. In this study, hepatic arterial system variations of 500 cases whose abdominal region was imaged with multi- detector computed tomography were evaluated and the diameters of the related arteries were measured. The mean diameters of classical and variational anatomy were determined in this study. According to mean measurements of classical and variational anatomy were abdominal aorta 21.95 mm, celiac artery 7.2 mm, common hepatic artery 4.3 mm, proper hepatic artery 2.93 mm, right hepatic artery 2.92 mm, left hepatic artery 2.51 mm and abdominal aorta 21.85 mm, celiac artery 6.99 mm, common hepatic artery 5.07 mm, proper hepatic artery 3.83 mm, right hepatic artery 2.87 mm ve left hepatic artery 2.09 mm respectively. When evaluated in terms of variations, 85.6 % of the cases had branching according to Type I, 14.4 % of the cases had different branching patterns. Type III (87.5 %) was the most observed variation among them. As a result of the study, it was determined that the arterial diameters vary according to the state of variation and that the arterial diameter of men are greater than that of women.

RESUMEN: El hígado juega un papel importante en diferentes eventos, tal como la producción de bilis, la filtración de sangre y las funciones metabólicas. El hígado está irrigado por el sistema arterial hepático. La anatomía del sistema arterial hepático tiene una estructura variable y la tasa de variación es alta. En nuestro estudio, nuestro objetivo fue determinar los diámetros y la variación de las arterias que irrigan el hígado con imágenes de tomografía computarizada multidetector. Se evaluaron las variaciones del sistema arterial hepático de 500 casos y se obtuvieron imágenes con tomografía computarizada de detectores múltiples abdominales y se midieron los diámetros de las arterias relacionadas. Se determinaron los diámetros medios de la anatomía clásica y variacional. Según las medidas medias de la anatomía clásica y variacional fueron aorta abdominal 21,95 mm, arteria celíaca 7,2 mm, arteria hepática común 4,3 mm, arteria hepática propia 2,93 mm, arteria hepática derecha 2,92 mm, arteria hepática izquierda arteria 2,51 mm y parte abdominal de la aorta 21,85 mm, arteria celíaca 6,99 mm, arteria hepática común 5,07 mm, arteria hepática propia 3,83 mm, arteria hepática derecha 2,87 mm y arteria hepática izquierda 2,09 respectivamente. Cuando se evaluó en términos de variaciones, el 85,6 % de los casos tenían ramificaciones según el Tipo I, el 14,4 % de los casos tenían diferentes patrones de ramificación. El tipo III (87,5 %) fue la variación más observada entre ellos. Como resultado del estudio, se determinó que los diámetros arteriales varían según el estado de variación y que el diámetro arterial de los hombres es mayor que el de las mujeres.

The Role of Microbiologic Agents in the Progression of the Atherosclerosis: a Comprehensive Review.

Atherosclerosis is a leading cause of disability, morbidity and mortality in the world. Atherosclerosis is accepted as a chronic progressive inflammatory disease. The inflammatory cascade in the vascular wall is well-defined. However, the predictors and contributors of the inflammatory response in atherosclerosis are not completely understood. Systemic and local inflammation, which enhance the burden of inflammation in the vascular wall, have been proposed as risk factors for the progression of atherosclerosis. Infectious micro-organisms are one of the major triggering factors for local and systemic inflammation. In this review, we aimed to emphasize the linkage between micro-organisms and the progression of atherosclerosis. We briefly summarize the current medical literature and discuss the future perspectives of the linkage between microbial agents and atherosclerosis representing cause and effect.

Rational guidewire use in the coronary chronic total occlusion interventions.

BACKGROUND: Procedures for coronary chronic total occlusion (CTO) are still a clinical challenge with relatively lower success rates. Recent advances in the biotechnology and introduction of CTO-dedicated guidewires have increased the procedural success rate of CTO interventions. Herein, we aimed to reveal the clinical and angiographic predictors of the crossability of the initial guidewire choice and rational guidewire usage in CTO interventions. A total of 177 patients with an indication for a coronary CTO procedure were included in this study. The use of 1-3 guidewires and crossing of the CTO lesion with the initial guidewire choice was defined as rational guidewire usage. The CTO lesions were classified according to the Japanese chronic total occlusion registry (J-CTO) and EuroCTO scores for evaluating the difficulty of the procedures. Then, a statistical analysis was performed to assess the initial guidewire choice, crossability, and contributors to rational guidewire usage. RESULTS: The mean J-CTO score was 1.42 ± 1.16, and the mean EuroCTO score was 1.44 ± 1.18. The success rate of the procedures was 90.4%. The initial guidewire choice crossed the lesion in 44.1% of the cases, in which 1-3 guidewires were used (82.1%). The crossability of the polymeric and moderate stiff tip guidewires was higher (82.1% and 64.1%, respectively), and the Pilot series was the most successful brand (36.2%). Logistic regression analysis confirmed that J-CTO score, procedural technique, guidewire type, and stiffness of the tip were the major predictors of rational guidewire usage. CONCLUSION: Our analysis showed that the use of polymeric and moderate stiff tip guidewires, particularly the Pilot brand, were associated with rational guidewire usage in easy and intermediate difficulty CTO cases.

Small-molecule sensitization of RecBCD helicase-nuclease to a Chi hotspot-activated state.

Coordinating multiple activities of complex enzymes is critical for life, including transcribing, replicating and repairing DNA. Bacterial RecBCD helicase-nuclease must coordinate DNA unwinding and cutting to repair broken DNA. Starting at a DNA end, RecBCD unwinds DNA with its fast RecD helicase on the 5'-ended strand and its slower RecB helicase on the 3'-ended strand. At Chi hotspots (5' GCTGGTGG 3'), RecB's nuclease cuts the 3'-ended strand and loads RecA strand-exchange protein onto it. We report that a small molecule NSAC1003, a sulfanyltriazolobenzimidazole, mimics Chi sites by sensitizing RecBCD to cut DNA at a Chi-independent position a certain percent of the DNA substrate's length. This percent decreases with increasing NSAC1003 concentration. Our data indicate that NSAC1003 slows RecB relative to RecD and sensitizes it to cut DNA when the leading helicase RecD stops at the DNA end. Two previously described RecBCD mutants altered in the RecB ATP-binding site also have this property, but uninhibited wild-type RecBCD lacks it. ATP and NSAC1003 are competitive; computation docks NSAC1003 into RecB's ATP-binding site, suggesting NSAC1003 acts directly on RecB. NSAC1003 will help elucidate molecular mechanisms of RecBCD-Chi regulation and DNA repair. Similar studies could help elucidate other DNA enzymes with activities coordinated at chromosomal sites.

Value of C-Reactive Protein/Albumin Ratio in Predicting the Development of Contrast-Induced Nephropathy in Patients With Non-ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction.

Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) accounts for about 10% of all hospital-acquired acute kidney injury. We aimed to assess the role of the combination of 2 inflammatory biomarkers, the C-reactive protein (CRP)/albumin ratio (CAR), in the development of CIN after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). Patients with NSTEMI (n = 205) treated by PCI were classified according to the development of CIN. Both groups were compared according to clinical, laboratory, and demographic characteristics, including inflammatory biomarkers and specifically, CAR. Contrast-induced nephropathy was observed in 10.2% of patients. More advanced age, the presence of diabetes and dyslipidemia, left ventricular ejection fraction, and CAR correlated with the development of CIN. Analysis also showed a significant association between CAR and the development of CIN (CAR in CIN (+): 8.54 ± 8.48, range: 0.7-32, median: 7.13 vs CAR in CIN (-): 2.36 ± 3.01, range: 0.1-24, median: 1.33, P < .001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed the impact of CAR on the development of CIN (odds ratio: 1.244, 95% confidence interval: 1.102; 1.392, P < .01). We conclude that CAR, as a combination of 2 inflammatory biomarkers, is a more accurate predictor of CIN development compared with the single-marker assessment of albumin and CRP in the context of NSTEMI.

Classification and volumetric study of the sphenoid sinus on MDCT images.

PURPOSE: We aimed to determine the position and size of the sphenoid sinus (SS) in our study and compare the results of the measurements relative to age, gender, and the presence of pituitary adenoma using multidetector computerized tomography (MDCT). METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated the paranasal sinus computerized tomography (CT) images of 200 individuals (age range of all the individuals 4-84 years; 101 females, 99 males; age range of individuals with pituitary adenoma 15-63 years; 15 females, 9 males) with 24 pituitary adenomas. The shape of SS were identified and classified, volume were measured by MDCT also for individuals with pituitary adenoma. RESULTS: It was determined that the volume averages were significantly affected by the type of SS. Among all the individuals studied, the sellar type of SS was most frequently observed (41.5%), followed by the postsellar type (38.5%), and the least observed was the presellar type (9%). The volume of the SS is bigger in males than females although the volume is not affected by the presence of pituitary adenomas. The development of the SS continues until the age of nine. CONCLUSION: The morphology and morphometry of the SS show individual differences. These anatomic variations are important for decision making and application for surgical interventions (especially transsphenoidal surgery).