TY - JOUR
T1 - Functional neuroimaging related to lower urinary tract sensations
T2 - Future directions for study designs and selection of patient groups: ICI-RS 2023
AU - de Rijk, Mathijs M
AU - Drake, Marcus J
AU - von Gontard, Alexander
AU - Solomon, Eskinder
AU - Dmochowski, Roger
AU - Schurch, Brigitte
AU - van Koeveringe, Gommert A
PY - 2023/11/13
Y1 - 2023/11/13
N2 - OBJECTIVES: Neuroimaging studies have advanced our understanding of the intricate central nervous system control network governing lower urinary tract (LUT) function, shedding light on mechanisms for urine storage and voiding. However, a lack of consensus in methodological approaches hinders the comparability of results among research groups and limits the translation of this knowledge to clinical applications, emphasizing the need for standardized methodologies and clinical utilization guidelines. METHODS: This paper reports the discussions of a workshop at the 2023 meeting of the International Consultation on Incontinence Research Society, which reviewed uncertainties and research priorities to progress the field of neuroimaging in LUT control and dysfunction. RESULTS: Neuroimaging holds great potential for improving our understanding of LUT control and pathophysiological conditions. To date, functional neuroimaging techniques have not yet achieved sufficient strength to make a direct clinical impact. Potential approaches that can improve the clinical utilization of neuroimaging were discussed and research questions proposed. CONCLUSIONS: Neuroimaging offers a valuable tool for investigating LUT control, but it's essential to acknowledge the potential for oversimplification when interpreting brain activity due to the complex neural processing and filtering of sensory information. Moreover, technical limitations pose challenges in assessing key brain stem and spinal cord centers, particularly in cases of neurological dysfunction, highlighting the need for more reliable imaging of these centers to advance our understanding of LUT function and dysfunction.
AB - OBJECTIVES: Neuroimaging studies have advanced our understanding of the intricate central nervous system control network governing lower urinary tract (LUT) function, shedding light on mechanisms for urine storage and voiding. However, a lack of consensus in methodological approaches hinders the comparability of results among research groups and limits the translation of this knowledge to clinical applications, emphasizing the need for standardized methodologies and clinical utilization guidelines. METHODS: This paper reports the discussions of a workshop at the 2023 meeting of the International Consultation on Incontinence Research Society, which reviewed uncertainties and research priorities to progress the field of neuroimaging in LUT control and dysfunction. RESULTS: Neuroimaging holds great potential for improving our understanding of LUT control and pathophysiological conditions. To date, functional neuroimaging techniques have not yet achieved sufficient strength to make a direct clinical impact. Potential approaches that can improve the clinical utilization of neuroimaging were discussed and research questions proposed. CONCLUSIONS: Neuroimaging offers a valuable tool for investigating LUT control, but it's essential to acknowledge the potential for oversimplification when interpreting brain activity due to the complex neural processing and filtering of sensory information. Moreover, technical limitations pose challenges in assessing key brain stem and spinal cord centers, particularly in cases of neurological dysfunction, highlighting the need for more reliable imaging of these centers to advance our understanding of LUT function and dysfunction.
KW - diagnostic
KW - lower urinary tract
KW - neurodevelopmental
KW - neurogenic
KW - neuroimaging
KW - pelvic floor dysfunction
KW - spinal cord injury
U2 - 10.1002/nau.25333
DO - 10.1002/nau.25333
M3 - (Systematic) Review article
SN - 0733-2467
JO - Neurourology and Urodynamics
JF - Neurourology and Urodynamics
M1 - 25333
ER -