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Using ALE coordinate-based meta-analysis to observe resting-state brain abnormalities in subjective tinnitus
Himanshu R Pandey1,2, Amit Keshri3, Anshita Singh1
1Centre of Bio-Medical Research, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences Campus, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, 226014, India.
Brain Imaging and Behavior
|January 3, 2024
Summary
This meta-analysis of resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rsfMRI) studies reveals consistent brain abnormalities in tinnitus patients. These findings highlight key auditory and non-auditory regions involved in the neuro-pathophysiology of tinnitus.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Medical Imaging
- Auditory Science
Background:
- Tinnitus origin is debated, with resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rsfMRI) studies suggesting disrupted neural connectivity.
- Inconsistencies exist in rsfMRI data across tinnitus studies, necessitating further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a meta-analysis of rsfMRI studies to identify consistent brain abnormalities in tinnitus patients.
- To pinpoint specific brain regions that serve as core markers for tinnitus-related neural disruptions.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search of MEDLINE/PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus up to October 2022.
- Extracted coordinates for amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (ALFF) and regional homogeneity (ReHo) from 17 rsfMRI studies.
- Performed meta-analysis using the activation likelihood estimation (ALE) method.
Main Results:
- Tinnitus patients showed increased ALFF and ReHo values in the insula, middle temporal gyrus, and inferior frontal gyrus bilaterally.
- Increased activity was also observed in the cerebellum posterior lobe bilaterally and the right superior frontal gyrus.
- Identified a pattern of abnormalities in both auditory and non-auditory brain regions.
Conclusions:
- The meta-analysis identified a distinct pattern of resting-state brain abnormalities in tinnitus.
- These abnormalities, involving auditory and non-auditory regions, serve as potential neuroimaging markers for tinnitus.
- Findings contribute to understanding the neuro-pathophysiological mechanisms underlying tinnitus.
