European Journal of Cardiovascular Medicine

Background: The identification of human remains is a cornerstone of forensic science, especially in situations where traditional identification methods are impractical. The morphological differences in the frontal and maxillary sinuses offer a novel approach for gender determination, providing a unique intersection between forensic science and the clinical expertise of Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) surgeons. This study investigates the potential of using frontal and maxillary sinus dimensions as reliable markers for gender differentiation. Materials and Methods: This observational study analyzed 200 anonymized patient records, equally distributed between males and females, aged 18-60 years, who underwent sinus CT scans for reasons unrelated to the study. Measurements of the frontal and maxillary sinuses, including height, width, and volume, were conducted using ImageJ software. The study employed independent t-tests to assess gender differences in sinus dimensions and calculated inter-observer reliability using the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) Results: Our findings indicate significant differences in the dimensions of the frontal and maxillary sinuses between genders, with males displaying larger dimensions. High ICC values (0.89 to 0.94) demonstrated excellent measurement reliability. Additionally, there was minimal correlation between sinus dimensions and age, suggesting the utility of these measurements across a broad age range for gender determination. Conclusion: The assessment of frontal and maxillary sinus dimensions presents a viable, non-invasive method for gender determination in forensic contexts. The study highlights the value of integrating ENT surgeons' expertise and advanced imaging techniques in forensic science, potentially revolutionizing identification processes in scenarios where traditional methods are unavailable.