Trends in Clinical Cardiac Photon-Counting Detector CT Research: A Comprehensive Bibliometric Analysis

Area of Science:

• Radiological Imaging
• Medical Technology Assessment
• Cardiovascular Diagnostics

Background:

• Photon-counting detector computed tomography (PCD-CT) is an emerging imaging modality with significant but underexplored potential in cardiac applications.
• Bibliometric analysis provides a quantitative overview of research trends and technological development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the evolution and current clinical application of cardiac PCD-CT.
• To analyze research trends, key contributors, and challenges in the field from 2019 to 2024.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive bibliometric analysis of literature from major scientific databases (PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, Google Scholar).
• Inclusion of 81 studies focusing on cardiac PCD-CT applications, primarily coronary artery calcium scoring, plaque assessment, and stenosis quantification.
• Analysis of publication trends, leading countries, institutions, and funding sources.

Main Results:

• A significant upward trend in cardiac PCD-CT publications, peaking in 2023.
• USA, Germany, and Switzerland are leading research contributors, with institutions like Mayo Clinic and University of Zurich prominent.
• The NAEOTOM Alpha is the primary PCD-CT device used in cardiac studies, with diverse funding sources identified.

Conclusions:

• Cardiac PCD-CT research is rapidly expanding, demonstrating transformative potential for clinical practice.
• Further research is needed, including larger patient cohorts and broader geographical representation, to fully realize PCD-CT benefits.
• Continued investment and collaboration are crucial for advancing cardiac PCD-CT applications.