Using ALE coordinate-based meta-analysis to observe resting-state brain abnormalities in subjective tinnitus

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#humans #brain #brain-mapping #magnetic-resonance-imaging #rest

Using ALE coordinate-based meta-analysis to observe resting-state brain abnormalities in subjective tinnitus

Pandey et al., 2024 | Brain Imaging Behav | Meta Analysis

Citation

Pandey Himanshu R, Keshri Amit, ... Kumar Uttam. Using ALE coordinate-based meta-analysis to observe resting-state brain abnormalities in subjective tinnitus. Brain Imaging Behav. 2024-Jun;18(3):496-509. doi:10.1007/s11682-023-00846-7

Abstract

UNLABELLED: The origin of tinnitus remains a topic of discussion; however, numerous resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rsfMRI) studies interpret it as a disruption in neural functional connectivity. Yet, there's notable inconsistency in the resting-state data across these studies. To shed light on this discrepancy, we conducted a meta-analysis of extant rsfMRI studies, aiming to identify potential regions that consistently signify core abnormalities in individuals with tinnitus. METHODS: A systematic search on MEDLINE/PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus databases was performed to identify rsfMRI studies on tinnitus published up to October 2022. Coordinates related to the amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (ALFF) and regional homogeneity (ReHo) brain maps that showed significant differences between tinnitus patients and controls were extracted. Meta-analysis was performed using the activation likelihood estimation method. Data were included from 17 rsfMRI studies that reported a total of 63 distinct foci in ALFF and 46 foci in ReHo. RESULTS: Our meta-analysis revealed several regions where tinnitus patients demonstrated increased ALFF and ReHO values, both individually and collectively, when compared to control subjects. These regions encompassed the insula, middle temporal gyrus, and inferior frontal gyrus on both sides. Additionally, increased activity was also noted in the cerebellum posterior lobe bilaterally and the right superior frontal gyrus. CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis demonstrates a unique pattern of resting-state brain abnormalities involving both the auditory and non-auditory brain regions as neuroimaging markers, which helps understand the neuro-pathophysiological mechanisms of tinnitus.

Key Findings

Our meta-analysis revealed several regions where tinnitus patients demonstrated increased ALFF and ReHO values, both individually and collectively, when compared to control subjects. These regions encompassed the insula, middle temporal gyrus, and inferior frontal gyrus on both sides. Additionally, increased activity was also noted in the cerebellum posterior lobe bilaterally and the right superior frontal gyrus.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population tinnitus
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Humans
  • Brain
  • Brain Mapping
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Rest
  • Tinnitus

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Meta-Analysis
  • Vertical: ginger

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09