Neuroanatomical Predictors of Alcohol Consumption in Adolescents via in vivo Structural Imaging: A Systematic Review of Longitudinal Studies

Abstract Aims This study aimed to systematically review the literature on neuroanatomical predictors of future problematic drinking in adolescents. Methods Using PRISMA guidelines, a systematic review was conducted to evaluate neuroanatomical predictors of problematic drinking in adolescents. Embase, MEDLINE, and PsycINFO databases were searched from inception to January 6th, 2023. Studies were included if they were original, had a prospective design, had a sample size of at least 12, had a follow-up period of at least one year, had at least one structural neuroimaging scan before 18 with no prior alcohol use, and had alcohol use as the primary outcome. Studies were excluded if: had animals only; and were not in English. Risk of bias was conducted using the CASP tool. Results Out of 1,412 studies identified, 19 studies met the criteria, consisting of eleven gray matter (n = 4,040), five white matter (n = 319), and three assessing both (n = 3,608). Neuroanatomical predictors of future problematic drinking in adolescents were reported to be distributed across various brain regions such as the orbitofrontal cortex and paralimbic regions. However, the findings were largely heterogeneous. Conclusions This is the first systematic review to map out the existing literature on neuroanatomical predictors of problematic drinking in adolescents. Future research should focus on the aforementioned regions to determine their role in predicting future problematic drinking with more certainty.