Functional magnetic resonance imaging in prurigo nodularis: A call to study neural sensitization phenomena

Prurigo nodularis is a chronic pruritic, inflammatory skin condition characterized by nodular skin lesions in a typical distribution pattern caused by various dermatologic and/or nondermatologic conditions. In recent years, significant advances have been made in the understanding of the cutaneous pathophysiology of prurigo nodularis, resulting in novel treatment options such as interleukin-4, -13, -17, and -31 or Janus kinase inhibitors. Many aspects of the neurophysiology are largely unknown, including the processing in the central structural and functional network involved in prurigo nodularis. Functional neuroimaging allows noninvasive assessment of brain function and structure. Due to its high spatial resolution and temporal precision, functional magnetic resonance imaging has proven to be a suitable method for exploring neural mechanisms and assessing pharmacologic effects in dermatologic research. In this systematic review, the current knowledge of functional magnetic resonance imaging in the context of prurigo nodularis and its centrally active treatment options is summarized.