Sella turcica morphology in patients with genetic syndromes: A systematic review

Abstract

The sella turcica is an important anatomical reference used in orthodontics for the evaluation of craniofacial growth. Studies have found variations in the sella turcica morphology in patients with syndromes affecting the craniofacial complex. This review aims to determine whether genetic syndromes involving the craniofacial complex are associated with abnormal radiographic sella turcica morphology and whether there is a pattern of malformation which is consistent within each syndrome. An electronic database search was conducted to identify relevant studies. We included primary studies describing the morphology of the sella turcica on lateral radiographs in human subjects with genetic syndromes involving the craniofacial complex. No restrictions were placed on language or timeframe. PROSPERO registration CRD42019148060. Thirty‐eight studies were included in this review. A ‘J’‐shaped sella was found in patients with Hutchinson‐Gilford‐Progeria syndrome and other syndromes. A bulbous dorsum sellae was highly prevalent Cleidocranial dysplasia, and a bulbous dorsum sellae and uneven contours of the clivus was found in Cri du chat syndrome. A steep clivus was described in patients with Axenfeld‐Rieger syndrome. An oblique anterior wall was the most frequent malformation found in Down’s syndrome. Genetic syndromes affecting the craniofacial complex are associated with abnormal morphology of the radiographic sella turcica. Clinicians should be observant of abnormal sella turcica morphology which can be a sign of undiagnosed or subclinical syndromes. More high‐quality studies are needed which use standardized and objective methods of determining the morphology of the sella turcica.

Is dental agenesis associated with sella turcica morphology? A systematic review / Agenesia dentária está associada a morfologia da sela túrcica? Uma revisão sistematizada

“…Several studies have been investigating the morphological variations of the sella turcica in different conditions, such as dental anomalies (Leonardi et al, 2006;Scribante et al, 2017;Sato;Endo, 2020;Antonarakis;Ghislanzoni;Fischer, 2021;Kaya et al, 2021;Jankowik et al, 2021), oral cleft (Alam;Alfawzan, 2020), down syndrome (Korayem;AlKofid, 2015) and other genetic syndromes (Roomaney;Chetty, 2021). Given the above, the aim of this study was to systematically evaluate the findings related to the association between tooth agenesis and sella turcica morphology in non-syndromic patient with and without oral cleft.…”

Volumetric assessment of the sella turcica: a re-evaluation

“…A systematic review by Roomaney and Chetty (2020) (22) determined that the craniofacial morphometry affected by genetic syndromes is likely to be associated with abnormal variations of the sella turcica. Clinicians should be aware of the abnormalities and considering the underlying signs and symptoms for medical referral.…”

The Skull’s Girder: A Brief Review of the Cranial Base

“…The cephalometric measurements on lateral head radiographs of ARS patients, compared to normative standards, has shown changes in cranial base length and/or cranial base angle [ 42 , 43 ]. In addition, abnormal Sella turcica morphology is also seen in ARS patients [ 47 ]. The maxillary hypoplasia phenotype seen in ARS patients has been largely believed to be due to missing teeth or defects in neural crest cells.…”