Size and shape of sella turcica among Down syndrome individuals in a Nigerian population

Background/Aims: This study was conducted to determine the size and shape of sella turcica (ST) among Down syndrome (DS). Materials and Methods: The size of the ST was determined among 29 DS (mean age 13.76 ± 2.41 years), while the shape of the ST was among 25 DS individuals (mean of 13.84 ± 2.41 years) who met the inclusion criteria. Statistical significance of linear measurement in relation to gender was evaluated using an independent t-test, while Chi-square test was used to analyze the occurrence and significance of the shape. A statistically significant level was set at P < 0.05. Results: ST length (STL), depth (STD), and anterior–posterior diameter (STAPD) were 9.00 ± 3.23 mm, 7.61 ± 1.51 mm, and 10.45 ± 2.79 mm, respectively. Female DS had a larger value for STD and STAPD than males (P > 0.05). The pyramidal shape of the dorsum sella accounted for the largest deviation (28.3%) in shape. A change in shape of the ST tend to affect the depth (F = 1.669, P = 0.204) and diameter (F = 1.425, P = 0.263) than its effects the length. Conclusion: The depth and diameter of ST were observed to be larger than normal individuals within the same age range documented in the literature. Abnormal deviation in the shape of sell turcica may have contributed to the variation in the length, depth, and diameter. A deviation in the size and shape of ST could be considered etiological factor in the development of malocclusion among Down syndrome individuals.