What’s New in Photon Counting CT?

June 13, 2026 · 4 articles · 4 research themes · covering June 06, 2026 – June 13, 2026

Overview

Across these studies and reviews, a clear theme is the move toward more objective, tissue- or disease-specific measurements rather than relying solely on indirect clinical risk factors. Two imaging-focused works highlight advanced CT physics—photon-counting CT and dual-energy spectral CT—to extract quantitative biological information: one targets muscle fat infiltration relevant to low back pain using virtual noncontrast fat fraction and attenuation, while the other aims to noninvasively distinguish meniscal calcification types (basic calcium phosphate vs calcium pyrophosphate) using spectral signatures.

In parallel, the CSF biomarker study advances diagnostic precision in suspected CSF-venous fistulas by testing whether beta trace protein in cerebrospinal fluid can separate positive from negative myelography results. Finally, the narrative review synthesizes how coronary CT (calcium scoring and CT angiography) can support prevention in asymptomatic individuals by visualizing coronary atherosclerosis directly, enabling a shift toward personalized, disease-based risk stratification and targeted preventive therapy. Together, these articles reflect a broader trend in imaging and biomarker research: improving diagnostic accuracy and risk prediction through measurable, mechanistic signals.

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Photon-Counting CT for Musculoskeletal Tissue Composition

Photon-counting CT for paraspinal muscle fat quantification compared with MRI proton density fat fraction.

This prospective study evaluated photon-counting CT (PCCT)–derived 70 keV attenuation and virtual noncontrast fat fraction (VNC FF) for quantifying paraspinal muscle fat infiltration in 76 adults with low back pain, using 6-echo q-Dixon MRI proton density fat fraction (PDFF) as the reference standard. PCCT VNC FF and 70 keV attenuation were assessed against MRI PDFF to determine how well PCCT can measure multifidus fat infiltration. If validated, PCCT could provide a radiation-efficient, material-decomposition–based alternative to MRI PDFF for objective assessment of muscle fat infiltration relevant to low back pain and musculoskeletal degeneration.

Shu D, Wang J, Liang D et al. · BMC medical imaging · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

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Dual-Energy CT Spectral Imaging for Calcification Typing

Characterizing Meniscal Calcifications with Photon Counting-Based Dual-Energy Computed Tomography.

This in vitro study used photon-counting detector dual-energy CT (PCD-DECT) at 120 kVp to determine whether dual-energy CT can distinguish basic calcium phosphate (BCP) from calcium pyrophosphate (CPP) meniscal calcifications, with Raman spectroscopy as the reference. Meniscus samples from 41 donors (82 menisci) were scanned in two energy bins (20–50 keV and 50–120 keV) to characterize calcification type based on CT spectral information. Being able to differentiate BCP versus CPP noninvasively would improve understanding of calcification pathology and could refine imaging-based assessment of osteoarthritis risk and progression.

Nevanranta EA, Karjalainen VP, Brix M et al. · Annals of biomedical engineering · (2026) · 1 citations · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

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CSF Biomarkers for Diagnosis of CSF-Related Disorders

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

This prospective study measured cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) beta trace protein (BTP) levels in 71 patients undergoing lateral decubitus myelography for suspected CSF-venous fistulas (CVFs) to test whether BTP could differentiate positive versus negative myelogram results. Elevated CSF BTP levels were reported in patients with CSF-venous fistulas, indicating that BTP may serve as an objective biomarker for CVF workup. If confirmed, CSF BTP could reduce diagnostic uncertainty in spontaneous intracranial hypotension by complementing or triaging 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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Coronary CT for Cardiovascular Risk Stratification and Prevention

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

This narrative review examined how coronary computed tomography (CT)—including coronary artery calcium scoring (CACS) and coronary CT angiography (CCTA)—can be used for prevention of cardiovascular disease in asymptomatic individuals. The key finding is that coronary CT enables direct, noninvasive visualization of coronary atherosclerosis, supporting a shift from traditional risk-factor algorithms to personalized, disease-based risk stratification and targeted preventive therapy. Clinically, this could improve identification of high-risk patients who would otherwise be missed by standard primary-prevention approaches.

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

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Generated automatically on June 13, 2026. Covers PubMed articles published June 06, 2026 – June 13, 2026. Summaries are AI-generated; always consult the original publication for clinical or research decisions.