Cone-beam computed tomographic study of the persistent foramen tympanicum according to age, sex, and skeletal patterns.

Abstract This cross-sectional study evaluated the influence of prevalence, laterality and diameter of persistent foramen tympanicum (PFT) in cone beam computed tomographic (CBCT) scans of adult patients with different sagittal skeletal patterns, sex and age. CBCT of 510 patients were assessed for the presence of PFT. Skeletal pattern, age and sex of the affected patients were recorded, as well as laterality and diameter of PFT. Differences were tested using the one-way ANOVA, chi squared and paired-t tests, at α=5%. A total of 49 (9.7%) patients presented with PFT; 36 (73.5%) were women (p 0.05), with Class III skeletal pattern (p>0.05). The unilateral/bilateral ratio was 3.9:1 (p