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Review
. 2023 Aug 15;13(8):1208.
doi: 10.3390/brainsci13081208.

Morphology of the Sella Turcica: A Meta-Analysis Based on the Results of 18,364 Patients

Tomasz Iskra  1 , Bartłomiej Stachera  1   2 , Kamil Możdżeń  1 , Agnieszka Murawska  1 , Patryk Ostrowski  1   2 , Michał Bonczar  1   2 , Iwona Gregorczyk-Maga  3 , Jerzy Walocha  1   2 , Mateusz Koziej  1   2 , Grzegorz Wysiadecki  4 , Krzysztof Balawender  5 , Andrzej Żytkowski  6
Affiliations
Review

Morphology of the Sella Turcica: A Meta-Analysis Based on the Results of 18,364 Patients

Tomasz Iskra et al. Brain Sci. .

Abstract

Background: This meta-analysis aimed to present data on the sella turcica (ST) morphology and variations. Furthermore, a detailed morphometric analysis of the ST was conducted.

Methods: Major online databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library were searched through. The overall search process was conducted in three stages.

Results: This meta-analysis was based on the results of 18,364 patients and demonstrates the most up-to-date and relevant data regarding the morphology of the ST in the available literature. Four classification methods of the ST shape can be distinguished, in which the most commonly occurring variants are the normal ST (55.56%), the U-shaped ST (73.58%), the circular type of ST (42.29%), and non-bridging ST (55.64%). The overall midpoint height of the ST was 6.59 mm (SE = 0.13). The overall length of the ST was 9.06 mm (SE = 0.15). The overall volume of the ST was 845.80 mm3 (SE = 288.92). Four main classification methods of ST morphology can be distinguished in the available literature. Various morphometric characteristics of the ST may be applied in clinical practice to evaluate its shape, dimensions, and normal or pathological variants.

Keywords: morphometry; neuroanatomy; pituitary fossa; pituitary gland; sella turcica; skull base; sphenoid bone.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Sagittal section of the macerated adult human skull. (A) General view. (B) Enlargement of the sella turcica, showing its boundaries. The anterior wall of the sella is marked pale green. The pituitary fossa (pf) on the sella floor is marked pale pink. The dorsum sellae (ds), forming the posterior boundary, is marked pale yellow. acp—anterior clinoid process; ss—sphenoidal sinus.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Flow diagram presenting the process of collecting data included in this meta-analysis.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Illustration showing the dimensions of the sella turcica that were included in this meta-analysis.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Illustration showing the oval, circular, and flat types of the sella turcica.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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