Heights of maxillary sinus and piriform aperture are valuable in sex prediction: a cone beam computed tomography study

Purpose: This study utilized cone-beam computed tomography images to assess the potential of maxillary sinus (MS) and piriform aperture (PA) measurements in sex prediction and to identify possible correlations between these structures and the MS ostium.

Methods: A total of 204 images were selected and divided into two groups: 102 for constructing and testing the formula, and 102 for validation. In each subgroup, the images were equally divided for 11 measurements by two examiners in the MS (height, width, length, and total width), PA (height and width), and maxillary ostium diameter.

Results: Significant correlations were found in males and in the total analysis for all measurements of the right MS, while the length of the left MS showed a positive correlation with PA height. In the total analysis, the height of the left MS and the total width along the MS also positively correlated with PA height. When tested, the constructed formula resulted in an accuracy of 82.4%.

Conclusion: Tomographic images proved to be excellent tools for sex prediction, as the measurements described in this study could be reproduced and analyzed in different populations, considering that craniometric characteristics may vary across populations.