Evaluation of paranasal sinus volume and pathway relationships in domestic pigs: A sex-based analysis using computerized tomography and three-dimensional modeling

This study comprehensively analyzed the paranasal sinuses of male and female pigs, focusing on volumetric measurements, surface areas, and interconnectivity. Fourteen pig heads (Sus scrofa domesticus, 8 females and 6 males) were examined using CT imaging. The frontal (FS), maxillary (MS), ethmoidal (ES), lacrimal (LS), and sphenoid (SS) sinuses were identified. FS was divided into three compartments: medial rostral frontal sinus (MRFS), lateral rostral frontal sinus (LRFS), and caudal frontal sinus (CFS). Significant sex-related differences were observed in total sinus volume and surface area. In females, LS and ES exhibited asymmetry in volume and surface area between both sides. In males, LS showed no volumetric asymmetry but had significant surface area differences. LRFS and MS showed significant sex-based differences in volume and surface area, while SS exhibited surface area asymmetry in females but no volumetric differences. This study's main limitation was the absence of magnetic resonance imaging. These findings provide a detailed anatomical and morphological understanding of pig paranasal sinuses, offering valuable insights for biomedical research, clinical applications, and laboratory studies. The study highlights the utility of CT imaging in revealing subtle anatomical variations and its potential for advancing research and surgical planning.