The Neuroanatomical correlates of bladder filling: an activation likelihood estimation meta-analysis of functional neuroimaging studies
Loading...
Date
Authors
Publisher
MDPI
Abstract
Background: Urinary continence is relies on a complex interplay between urine storage
and voiding involving both spinal reflex circuits and supraspinal brain areas to coordinate
voluntary control over emptying. Despite a vast number of studies on the pathophysiology
of neurogenic bladder and urge incontinence, less is known about the central correlates
of bladder filling. Methods: An ALE (activation likelihood estimation) meta-analysis
including a total count of 14 studies investigating 243 participants under different conditions of bladder filling during functional neuroimaging was performed to demonstrate
the neuroanatomical correlates of bladder filling. The literature search and reporting were
conducted according to the PRISMA-P 2020 guideline. Data analysis was performed using
the GingerAle software version 3.0.2 and was displayed with the Mango software 4.1 on an
anatomical MNI template. Results: Synthesizing studies on the functional neuroanatomy
of urine storage, bihemispheric clusters of activation in the thalamus, the insula and the
cingulate were observed. Conclusion: The present ALE meta-analysis indicates that the
supraspinal representation of urine storage involves areas of autonomous–homeostatic
processing which allow for the perception of the usually unconscious inner state of bladder
filling and enable postponing and voluntary voiding.
Metadata
Philipps-Universität Marburg
License
Except where otherwise noted, this item's license is described as Attribution 4.0 International