Abnormal Low Frequency Fluctuations and Functional Connectivity in Overactive Bladder Syndrome

Motivation: Overactive Bladder (OAB) significantly affects patients' quality of life. However, the exact mechanism of brain-bladder control in urinary continence remains unclear. Goal(s): To investigate the abnormality of amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (ALFF) and functional connectivity (FC) during the bladder filling in OAB patients. Approach: Blood oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD) images were acquired at bladder filling volumes of 0, 50, 100, 200, 350 and 500mL. Results: We observed comprised ALFF in the orbitofrontal cortex and medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), along with disrupted FC between posterior cingulate cortex (PCC) and mPFC and between mPFC and pDMN in OAB patients during bladder filling. Impact: We provide new insights into the roles of FC and ALFF in controlling urinary incontinence. This study demonstrated that FC and ALFF may serve as potential biomarkers for monitoring treatment effects in OAB patients.