Osama Othman Mohammed Ambarak, Eiman A. A Leias, Abdullatif H. Annaas, Amal A Elfakhri, Fieras Monier, Alla Elgaddafi
Abstract
Introduction: The Sella Turcica (ST) is a saddle-shaped structure in the sphenoid bone, and it houses the pituitary gland within the pituitary fossa. The primary imaging technique for studying the morphometry of the ST is computed tomography (CT). The purpose of this study is to measure the dimensions of ST and their relationship with age and gender in Libyan subjects who live in Benghazi using CT scans. Material and method: A cross-sectional study was carried out from September 2023 to December 2024. The information was collected from 181 randomly chosen head CT scans of patients who came to the Benghazi Medical Center (BMC) and Aljalla Teaching Hospital. Patients are male and female Libyan patients (67 women and 114 men) aged 18 and above. Two calibrated examiners examined each scan. The data collected was analyzed statistically, and results were obtained. Results: The study sample included 181 participants, with 63% being male (114) and 37% female (67). Participants were divided into four age groups: Group I (ages 18-30, 17.1%, n=31), Group II (ages 31-40, 16.6%, n=30), Group III (ages 41-50, 17.7%, n=32), and Group IV (ages over 50, 48.6%, n=88). The average measurements of the sella turcica in the study group were 10.7 mm in length, 8.7 mm in depth, and 12.9 mm in AP diameter. For male participants, the measurements were 10.8 mm in length, 8.62 mm in depth, and 13.00 mm in AP diameter. For female participants, the measurements were 10.5 mm in length, 8.73 mm in depth, and 12.7 mm in AP diameter. No significant difference in sella turcica dimensions was found between genders (p > 0.05). However, there was a significant difference in mean sella length and AP diameter across the four age groups. This was mainly due to Group I (ages 18-30) having a smaller mean sella length (9.7 mm) and AP diameter (12.1 mm) compared to the other age groups. There was no significant difference in sella depth among the age groups. Conclusion: The findings of this research could have important clinical implications for surgeons and medical professionals. Increased understanding of potential anatomical variations in the sella turcica may impact surgical planning and patient outcomes. Additionally, this study is expected to be a reference for future research studies related to neuroanatomy, contributing to advancing diagnostic techniques, treatment options, and overall patient care in Benghazi.