Sex Estimation From Measurements of the Mastoid Triangle and Volume of the Mastoid Air Cell System Using Classical and Machine Learning Methods

Abstract

Previous studies on the sexual dimorphism of the mastoid triangle have typically focused on linear and area measurements. No studies in the literature have used mastoid air cell system volume measurements for direct anthropological or forensic sex determination. The aims of this study were to investigate the applicability of mastoid air cell system volume measurements and mastoid triangle measurements separately and combined for sex estimation, and to determine the accuracy of sex estimation rates using machine learning algorithms and discriminant function analysis of these data. On 200 computed tomography images, the distances constituting the edges of the mastoid triangle were measured, and the area was calculated using these measurements. A region-growing algorithm was used to determine the volume of the mastoid air cell system. The univariate sex determination accuracy was calculated for all parameters. Stepwise discriminant function analysis was performed for sex estimation. Multiple machine learning methods have also been used. All measurements of the mastoid triangle and volumes of the mastoid air cell system were higher in males than in females. The accurate sex estimation rate was determined to be 79.5% using stepwise discriminant function analysis and 88.5% using machine learning methods.

The association between high jugular bulb and mastoid pneumatization in adults

“…There was no significant difference in mastoid air cell volumes between different sides ( p = 0.654), but the volume was smaller in female (3.83 ± 2.03 cm 3 ) than male group (5.87 ± 3.01 cm 3 , p ≤ 0.001), which consistent with previous reports ( 16 , 17 ). The mastoid air cell volumes of Grade I, II, and III were 4.46 ± 2.62 cm 3 , 4.70 ± 2.49 cm 3 , and 3.59 ± 2.15 cm 3 , respectively.…”

“…According to the genetic theory, Minimal pneumatization of the temporal bone is characteristic of otitis media ( 32 , 33 ). In the selected HJB group, the mastoid air cell volume was smaller in the female group, which consistented with previous reports ( 16 , 17 ). As a non-invasive imaging examination, the significance of HRCT can be extended to multi-center cross-sectional studies with large samples, greatly improving its reliability.…”