Anatomical features of the parotid gland in men depending on cranial shape

BACKGROUND:In vivo analysis of the morphometric parameters of the parotid gland in the context of various cranial shapes is a promising approach, as it enables the systematization of the existing knowledge of the parotid gland anatomy. AIM:This work aimed to identify the anatomical features of the parotid gland in men with different cranial shapes based on thehead computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings. MATERIAL AND METHODS:A retrospective study was conducted based on the analysis of head CT and MRI findings from 92men. Based on the cranial shape, the sample was divided into the following groups: dolichocranes (n=30), mesocranes (n=32), and brachycranes (n=30); chamaecranes (n=19), orthocranes (n=47), and hypsicranes (n=26); and tapeinocranes (n=33), metriocranes (n=30), and acrocranes (n=29). Based on the facial shape, three groups were identified: euryenes (n=29), mesenes (n=33), and leptenes (n=40). A morphometric study of the parotid gland was performed, measuring dimensions in three planes and calculating the gland volume using the ultrasonographic method for measuring internal organ vo­lumes. Statistical analysis was performed using nonparametric methods, including the Kruskal–Wallis test, the Mann–Whitney test with Bonferroni correction, and Spearman’s correlation. RESULTS:The sagittal dimension of the parotid gland in the men increased significantly from brachycranics (4.22cm on theright, 3.99cm on the left) to dolichocranics (4.77cm on the right [p=0.0001], 4.57cm on the left [p=0.0001]). A decrease in thefrontal dimension of the gland was observed from brachycranics (3.43cm on the right, 3.47cm on the left) to dolichocranics (2.49cm on the right [p=0.0001], 2.47cm on the left [p=0.0001]). With regard to viscerocranium shapes, a significant diffe­rence in the vertical dimension of the gland was identified (6.12cm on the right, 6.18cm on the left in euryenes; 6.98cm on theright [p0.0001], 6.95cm on the left [p0.0001] in leptenes). The frontal dimension decreased significantly from euryenes (3.42cm on the right, 3.53cm on the left) to leptenes (2.51cm on the right [p0.0001], 2.58cm on the left [p0.0001]). CONCLUSION:In men, the sagittal dimension of the parotid gland varies significantly depending on the shape of theneurocranium as determined by the cranial index; the frontal dimension of the gland changes depending on both theneurocranial and viscerocranium shapes.