Evaluation of Morphometric Parameters of Sella Turcica in Ethnic Kashmiri Population using Computed Tomography: A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract Introduction: The sella turcica (ST) is an important anatomical structure in the skull base that houses the pituitary gland. Variations in ST morphology have been associated with some pathological conditions. There are few published data on the normative morphometry of ST in the ethnic Kashmiri population. The aim of this study was to analyze the morphology, dimensions, and inter-relationships of the ST in the ethnic Kashmiri population using computed tomography (CT). Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted over 1 year in the Department of Anatomy, Government Medical College, Srinagar. High-resolution CT scans of 225 adult Kashmiri subjects (aged >18 years) were examined. Various linear, angular, and area parameters of the ST morphology were measured, including its width and length, diameters, shape, bridging, and surface areas. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 22. Results: Out of 225 adults from the ethnic Kashmiri population, 112 were males and 113 females with a mean age of 38 ± 12.6 years. The mean length, height, and diameter are 8.3 ± 1.79 mm, 6.5 ± 1.39 mm, and 11.55 ± 2.16 mm, respectively. ST length (8.7 mm vs. 8.9 mm), height (6.5 mm vs. 6.8 mm), and diameter (12.6 mm vs. 11.4 mm) were found to be comparatively smaller and shallower in our study. Sella length, height, and area were found to exhibit significant associations with age and gender. Conclusions: This study provides baseline data on ST morphometric parameters in the ethnic Kashmiri population for the interpretation of CT-based radiological images. Findings emphasize the need to consider ethnic variations in normative ST dimensions.