Advances in Imaging the Brain-Gut Axis: Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders

摘要

With over a decade of neuroimaging research of the brain-gut axis behind us, we find ourselves at a convergence of emergent technology and pathophysio-logic understanding. Although biomarkers of functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) remain elusive, we have made great progress in our understanding of the complex interrelationships of gastrointestinal sensation, motility, and immune function within the framework of the biopsychosocial model that we believe characterizes FGIDs.1 At the same time, the field of neuroimaging has grown rapidly, utilizing ever more precise and complex measures of brain structure and function. Our current environment is an enviable one for researchers in the field, although it brings with it the usual challenges of rapidly evolving technology and need for cautious interpretation. This review highlights some of the most promising avenues for brain-gut research that neuroimaging offers, emphasizing their applicability to FGIDS.