Accuracy assessment of human sphenoidal sinus volume and area measure and its relationship with sexual dimorphism using the 3D-CT Avaliação da precisão das medidas de volume e área do seio esfenoidal humano em relação ao dimorfismo sexual utilizando a TC-3D

Introduction ‐ The purpose of this study was to evaluate the precision of volumetric measu rements of sphenoidal sinuses and the obtention of sexual dimorphism, using spiral computed tomography (CT). Materials and Methods ‐ Fifty individuals were studied (25 male and 25 fe male), examined with CT multiplanar reconstructions in sagital and coronal views, and in 3DCT. The statistical analysis was obtained by using the Levene test, and t-test. Results ‐ The method used is over the inadequate limit for area measurements, and the method is accepta ble for volume, but needs improvement. Male individuals showed a mean higher than that fe male’s, and a higher variation for area and volume. Conclusion ‐ The spiral CT is helpful in sphenoidal sinus region study, showing precision for volume only. There was a significant dif ference between the mean values of the two genders, so the method can be used to determine sexual dimorphism.