Karl Olof Lovblad MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Petr Hruz, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Harriet Carolina Thoeny MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Hansjoerg Danuser, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Arto C. Nirkko, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

The voluntary control of micturition is believed to be integrated by complex interactions among the brainstem, subcortical areas and cortical areas. Several brain imaging studies (with Positron emission Tomography (PET)) implicate that frontal brain areas, the limbic system , the pons and premotor cortical areas are involved. However the cortical and subcortical brain areas have not yet been precisely identified and their exact function is not yet completely understood. This study used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to compare brain activity during passive filling and emptying of the bladder.

Functional MR imaging was performed on a 1.5 T echo-planar clinical scanner (Siemens Vision). Whole-brain T2* images were acquired for acivation as well as high resolution anatomical images for localization.Seven healthy subjects (one man and six right handed women) were catheterized. During scanning the bladder was alternatively filled and emptied at a constant rate with bladder rincing solution. During filling and emptying the subjects had to indicate, when they had sensation of urge and when they felt an empty bladder. imaging was performed on a 1.5 T echo-planar clinical scanner (Siemens Vision). Whole-brain T2* images were acquired for acivation as well as high resolution anatomical images for localization.

Comparing passive filling of the bladder with emptying of the bladder increased brain activity was seen in the right inferior frontal gyrus, cerebellum, symmetrically in the operculum and mesial frontal.

Subcortical areas were not evaluated. These results suggest, that there are several cortical brain areas involved in the regulation of micturition. At present time fMRI seems to be an equally valable method to Positron Emission Tomography (PET) for functional neuroanatomy studies investigating the act of micturition.

FMRI is able to demonstrate ares of brain activation involved in micturition. This can have applications in understanding both normal physiology as well as pathology and disease of micturition.

Lovblad, K, Hruz, P, Thoeny, H, Danuser, H, Nirkko, A, fMRI of Structures Involved in Micturition.  Radiological Society of North America 2006 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 26 - December 1, 2006 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2006/4426589.html