What’s New in Photon Counting CT?

June 12, 2026 · 3 articles · 6 research themes · covering June 05, 2026 – June 12, 2026

Overview

Across these recent papers, a clear theme is the move toward more objective, imaging-anchored decision-making—either by adding measurable biomarkers to clinical pathways or by improving how we visualize disease.

In neurology, the prospective CSF study evaluates beta trace protein (BTP) as a potential biomarker to distinguish positive versus negative findings for suspected CSF-venous fistula, aiming to reduce reliance on invasive myelography for diagnosing spontaneous intracranial hypotension. In cardiovascular medicine, a review highlights how coronary CT (calcium scoring and CT angiography) can shift prevention from purely risk-factor algorithms toward personalized, disease-based stratification by directly visualizing coronary atherosclerosis.

Finally, in oncology imaging research, a computational platform for virtual photon-counting micro-CT simulation in mouse head and neck squamous cell carcinoma provides a controllable testbed for optimizing imaging strategies and contrast-agent/tumor scenarios before in vivo experiments. Together, these studies reflect a broader trend: combining quantitative measures (biomarkers or imaging-derived disease presence) with advanced imaging technologies and simulation to make diagnosis and prevention more precise.

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Biomarkers for Neurologic Disease Diagnosis

Elevated CSF Beta Trace Protein Levels in Patients with CSF-Venous Fistulas.

This prospective study measured cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) beta trace protein (BTP) in 71 patients undergoing lateral decubitus myelography for suspected CSF-venous fistula (CVF). CSF BTP levels were evaluated to determine whether they could distinguish patients with positive versus negative myelogram findings. If validated, CSF BTP could provide an objective biomarker to improve diagnosis of spontaneous intracranial hypotension due to CVF and reduce reliance on invasive myelography.

Mark IT, Habibi P, Kim DK et al. · AJNR. American journal of neuroradiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

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Cardiovascular Prevention Using Imaging-Based Risk Stratification

The emerging role of coronary computed tomography for prevention of cardiovascular disease in asymptomatic individuals.

This review assessed how coronary computed tomography (CT)—including coronary artery calcium scoring (CACS) and coronary CT angiography (CCTA)—can be used for primary prevention of cardiovascular disease in asymptomatic individuals. The key finding is that coronary CT enables direct, non-invasive visualization of coronary atherosclerosis, supporting a shift from risk-factor algorithms to personalized, disease-based risk stratification and targeted preventive therapy. Clinically, this could improve identification of individuals who would benefit most from preventive interventions beyond traditional ASCVD risk scoring.

Verpalen VA, Aboyans V, Dweck MR et al. · European journal of preventive cardiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

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Advanced Medical Imaging Simulation and Computational Modeling

Virtual photon-counting micro-CT platform for simulation of head and neck cancer imaging in mice.

This study developed a virtual photon-counting micro-CT (PCCT) simulation platform to model head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) imaging in mice. Using affine warps from energy-integrating detector micro-CT vasculature, denoising diffusion probabilistic model (DDPM)–generated iodine- and barium-enhanced tumor contrast distributions, and fusion into a vascularized digital phantom, the platform enables realistic PCCT simulation of mouse HNSCC. Scientifically, it provides a controllable tool for testing and optimizing PCCT imaging strategies and contrast-agent/tumor scenarios before in vivo experiments.

Nadkarni R, Clark DP, Allphin AJ et al. · Physics in medicine and biology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

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Generated automatically on June 12, 2026. Covers PubMed articles published June 05, 2026 – June 12, 2026. Summaries are AI-generated; always consult the original publication for clinical or research decisions.