Sex Determination of Adult Human Maxillary Sinuses on Panoramic Radiographs

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate dimensions of adult human maxillary sinuses on panoramic radiographs and their possible application on the sex determination for forensic purposes. The sample comprised 64 database panoramic radiographs from individuals aged 20 years or older (32 male and 32 female subjects), with complete permanent dentition (or absence of third molars). One examiner measured the width and height of the right and left maxillary sinuses using the software Image J 1.47v (National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, USA). Measurements were repeated to calculate intra-observer agreement. Chi-Square test, Kappa, ANOVA and T-Student were used for results analysis for p≤ 0.05. Intra-observer agreement with correlation Kappa ranged between 0.38 and 0.96. For female subjects, the mean height and width of the left maxillary sinus were 28.7856mm and 44.6178mm, respectively. And right maxillary sinus was 27.7163mm for height and 45.1850mm for width. Male subjects were found to have the mean height and width of the left maxillary sinus 30.9981mm and 48.7753mm, respectively. And right maxillary sinus was 30.7403mm for height and 48.5753mm for width. There was a statistically significant difference in the height and width of maxillary sinuses between males and females. It can be concluded that maxillary sinuses height and width on panoramic radiographs can be used to determine the gender of adult human subjects.

Comparison of maxillary sinus on radiograph among males and females

“…These have been found in the Indian and Brazilian populations. 2,12,13 The result of this study was in accordance with previous studies, despite being carried out in a distinct population.…”

“…The analysis of maxillary sinus is not at all reliable when performed in prepubertal populations, and subjects included in the present study were therefore over the age of 20. 12 The maxillary sinus can be assessed using both 2D and 3D radiographs. Lateral cephalometric radiograph shows a lateral view of the cranium, which provides diagnostic information for the skeletal, dental and soft tissues anatomic landmarks.…”

Forensic Evaluation of Highmore Antrum Sexual Dimorphism by Cone Beam Computed Tomography

“…In the field of dentistry, the following structures are evaluated to determine sexual dimorphism: palatine wrinkles, coronal dimensions of the teeth, canine teeth, jaw, maxillary sinus, and shape of the dental arch. [ 14 15 16 17 18 ]…”

Forensic Identification of Decomposed Human Body through Comparison between Ante-Mortem and Post-Mortem CT Images of Frontal Sinuses: Case Report

“…Although they were not available in the present case, complete DICOM files from CT scans of the frontal sinuses could enable the analysis of volumetric (3D) dimensions ( 14 , 15 ) and improve the interpretation of findings to support a positive identification. Apart from the three-dimensional (3D) analysis, it is important to highlight the recent literature that explores the potential use of the paranasal sinuses registered radiographically (2D) for human identification ( 16 ). For example, the maxillary sinuses can be measured for sex discrimination to aid reconstructive identifications via forensic anthropology ( 16 ).…”

“…Apart from the three-dimensional (3D) analysis, it is important to highlight the recent literature that explores the potential use of the paranasal sinuses registered radiographically (2D) for human identification ( 16 ). For example, the maxillary sinuses can be measured for sex discrimination to aid reconstructive identifications via forensic anthropology ( 16 ). Moreover, these pathways for assessing the biological profile of the victims are essential especially in more complex situations, such as incidents involving multiple deaths, due to their potential for narrowing the lists of missing persons.…”