Knowledge Landscape and Hotspots of Research in Transthyretin Amyloid Cardiomyopathy: A Bibliometric Analysis

Background: Transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM) is a progressive and frequently underdiagnosed cause of heart failure characterized by the pathological deposition of misfolded transthyretin (TTR) proteins in the cardiac tissue, leading to a poor prognosis and a significant reduction in quality of life. Despite its severity, therapeutic options remain limited, and knowledge gaps persist. This study aims to construct a knowledge map and identify research hotspots within the field of ATTR-CM. Methods: Data were extracted from the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC), covering the period from January 1, 2000 to June 1, 2024. Bibliometric analyses were supplemented by qualitative assessments. VOSviewer, CiteSpace, and Bibliometrix were used to visualize academic community clusters, collaboration and citation networks to identify trends and hotspots in ATTR-CM research. Results: A total of 1855 publications were analyzed. Contributions from multiple disciplines fueled a consistent upward trend in publications and citations. Europe and the United States dominated ATTR-CM research, with Mathew S. Maurer as the most prolific author, and the University of London as the leading research institution. The journals publishing these documents and references demonstrated credibility and broad disciplinary coverage. Reference analysis identified 10 main research fields. Keyword analysis unveiled five promising themes for research: early diagnosis and prognosis algorithm, specific medication development, management of comorbidities and complications, epidemiology and genotype-phenotype correlation, and molecular biology and mechanisms. Conclusion: This study is the first comprehensive bibliometric analysis of the ATTR-CM field, supplemented by qualitative assessments. It systematically examines development trends, academic networks, and research themes, while identifying research hotspots and proposing future directions and approaches. These findings provide valuable insights to deepen the understanding of ATTR-CM and may foster advancements in scientific research and clinical applications.