Gray matter alterations in restless legs syndrome: A coordinate-based meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: Voxel-based morphometry (VBM) is an objective structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique which allows researchers to investigate group-level differences in regional gray matter (GM) volume or density over the whole brain. In the last decade, VBM studies in restless leg syndrome (RLS) have exhibited inconsistent and conflicting findings. METHODS: Studies will be identified through a computerized literature search of the following databases: PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase until October 1, 2018 and updated on March 1, 2020. This protocol will be performed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic review and Meta-Analysis Protocols (PRISMA-P). In addition, we will follow the recent guidelines and recommendations for coordinate-based meta-analysis (CBMA). This CBMA will be performed with the seed-based d mapping with permutation of subject images (SDM-PSI) software. RESULTS: This CBMA will offer the latest evidence of GM alterations in RLS. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this will be the first CBMA that pooled VBM findings in RLS. This quantitative evidence of GM alterations will characterize brain morphometry of RLS. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42018117014.