Graphic Abstract: Functional Neuroimaging in Irritable Bowel Syndrome
A Systematic Review Highlights Common Brain Alterations With Functional Movement Disorders
Veronica Nistico, Roberta E Rossi, Andrea M D’Arrigo, Alberto Priori, Orsola Gambini, Benedetta Demartini
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic functional gastrointestinal disorder characterized by recurrent abdominal pain and altered bowel habits that has no organic cause. This study aims to provide a comprehensive review of the literature on functional neuroimaging in IBS and to highlight brain alterations that are similar to those seen in other functional disorders, particularly functional movement disorders (FMD). Nisticò V., et al. included 50 studies following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines for systematic reviews. The findings revealed abnormal activation and functional connectivity of the insular, cingulate, sensorimotor, and frontal cortices, as well as the amygdala and hippocampus, implying altered activity of the homeostatic and salience network and the autonomous nervous system, which are almost the same in the FMD patients. As a result, Authors hypothesized that various functional disturbances may share a common pathophysiology.
Author: Aleksandra Tarasiuk, PhD