Prevalence of Olfactory Fossa Variants and Their Association with Age and Gender: A CT-Based Observational Study using Keros Classification

Madiha .; Sobia Jawwad Raza; Rahat Mukhtar; Anum Ajmal; Farhan Akbar; Tarique Ahmed Maka

doi:10.37185/LnS.1.1.787

Madiha . Wah Medical College, POF Hospital, Wah Cantt, Pakistan
Sobia Jawwad Raza Wah Medical College, POF Hospital, Wah Cantt, Pakistan
Rahat Mukhtar Wah Medical College, POF Hospital, Wah Cantt, Pakistan
Anum Ajmal Wah Medical College, POF Hospital, Wah Cantt, Pakistan
Farhan Akbar Combined Military Hospital CMH), Rawalpindi, Pakistan
Tarique Ahmed Maka Kharian Medical College, Kharian, Pakistan

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37185/LnS.1.1.787

Keywords: Cribriform Plate, Keros Calssification, Olfactory Fossa

Abstract

Objective: To determine the prevalence of olfactory fossa variants based on Keros classification and to assess
their association with age and gender using computed tomography.
Study Design: Retrospective observational study.
Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the Department of Radiology, Pakistan Ordinance
Factory (POF) Hospital, Wah Cantt, Pakistan from January 2022 to January 2024.
Methods: Patients of either gender above 10 years were included in the study who had undergone CT PNS. A
qualified radiologist measured the olfactory fossa depth using reference landmarks. Both descriptive and
inferential statistical techniques were utilized in the examination of the Keros type distribution among the
patients. Inferential statistics, particularly chi-square tests, were employed to examine the relationships
between categorical variables such as gender and age groups and the distribution of Keros types. P-values were
used to assess the statistical significance of these correlations.
Results: A Total of 123 patients were included in the study, including 69 females (56.1%) and 54 males (43.9%).
Minimum age was 10 year and maximum age was 87 years. The results show type II Keros fossa is the most
prevalent type, followed by type I, while type III is rare. A symmetrical olfactory fossa is more common than
asymmetrical. Age groups and Keros Type on both sides do not significantly correlate, according to the chi square test.
Conclusion: Chronic sinusitis and nasal polyps are prevalent conditions, and their treatment has been
transformed with the advent of advanced surgical procedures, notably Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery.
The depth of the olfactory fossa varies, making the Keros classification particularly important because it
assesses the variations in olfactory fossa depth and symmetry, which is important for surgeons to avoid
iatrogenic injuries.

How to cite this: Madiha, Raza SJ, Mukhtar R, Ajmal A, Akbar F, Maka TA. Prevalence of Olfactory Fossa Variants and Their Association with Age and Gender: A CT-Based Observational Study using Keros Classification. Life and Science. 2025; 6(3): 338-343. doi: http://doi.org/10.37185/LnS.1.1.787