Research hotspots and advances in atherosclerotic plaque regression: A bibliometric analysis

The reversal of atherosclerotic plaques represents a critical area of research in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). With recent significant progress in therapies and imaging, the traditional literature review struggles to map this rapidly evolving field comprehensively.

This study systematically analyzes research status, hotspots, and trends in atherosclerotic plaque regression (2000-2025) to guide future research.

Analyzing 4725 publications from Web of Science (WoS) Core Collection using VOSviewer and CiteSpace, we assessed annual output, collaborations, institutions, citations, and keyword patterns (co-occurrence, bursts).

Annual publication output has shown a significant upward trend, with an average annual growth rate of 7.8%. China and the United States have emerged as the leading contributors to this research domain. Current research hotspots primarily center on the mechanisms underlying plaque regression (e.g., lipid metabolism, inflammatory responses), therapeutic strategies (e.g., statins, PCSK9 inhibitors), and imaging assessment modalities (e.g., intravascular ultrasound (IVUS), optical coherence tomography). Analysis of keyword bursts indicates a progressive shift in research focus from fundamental pathological investigations toward targeted intervention strategies.

Research on atherosclerotic plaque regression is advancing at rapidly. Future efforts should prioritize enhancing international collaboration, deepening multidisciplinary integration, and synergistically incorporating precision medicine and emerging technologies. The ultimate goal is to facilitate the clinical translation of plaque regression strategies and alleviate the global burden of CVDs.