What's New in Photon Counting CT? — September 02, 2026

AI-summarised digest of 37 PubMed articles on Photon Counting CT published in the last 7 days.

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What’s New in Photon Counting CT?

September 02, 2026 · 37 articles · 15 research themes · covering August 26, 2026 – September 02, 2026

Overview

Across this week’s set of studies and reviews, photon-counting (PCD/PCCT) and related spectral detector CT are repeatedly shown to improve quantitative imaging performance by leveraging energy discrimination and reduced artifact burden. In cardiovascular applications, scoping and narrative reviews of coronary imaging and multiple clinical/biomarker studies suggest better spatial resolution, improved contrast-to-noise, and reduced calcium blooming/stent artifacts—supporting more accurate CAD assessment and enabling new quantitative biomarkers (e.g., interatrial septum and sinoatrial node structural features in atrial fibrillation).

A second dominant theme is protocol and physics optimization to make detector CT more reliable and safer: dose-reduction limits, reconstruction/kernel effects on quantitative measurements, and detectability metrics that account for patient size. Complementing this, several works focus on spectral/material decomposition—such as iodine mapping for vasculitis, fat quantification under iron confounding, and gadolinium-based contrast quantification in bone cements—highlighting how detector-level energy information can turn imaging into a more direct quantitative tool.

Finally, the digest shows broadening clinical reach beyond the heart: improved pulmonary nodule/CT angiography/perfusion assessment (including CTEPH-related perfusion quantification), enhanced breast lesion characterization using iodine mapping and multiphasic contrast-enhanced PCCT, and better endovascular surveillance for aortic repair complications (e.g., bridging stent graft wire fractures and small endoleaks). Machine learning/radiomics and AI denoising/workflow tools further indicate that detector CT’s quantitative outputs are increasingly being operationalized for reproducible biomarkers, robust denoising in higher-BMI patients, and CT-based detection tasks benchmarked against MRI or clinical standards.

Photon-Counting CT for Coronary Artery Disease & Plaque

A scoping review of photon-counting detector computed tomography in cardiovascular imaging.

This scoping review evaluated photon-counting detector CT (PCD-CT) for cardiovascular imaging across 59 studies published between January 2021 and September 2025, synthesizing evidence in coronary, myocardial, structural/valvular, pulmonary-cardiopulmonary function, and aortic/visceral/peripheral arterial domains. Across heterogeneous protocols and endpoints, the review reports high diagnostic specificity in coronary routine-practice cohorts (e.g., per-patient specificity 98% vs 93% compared with conventional approaches) alongside improved imaging capabilities enabled by direct-conversion, energy-resolved photon counting. The findings support PCD-CT as an emerging cardiovascular imaging platform with potential to improve coronary assessment and reduce key artifact limitations, but they also highlight the need for standardized study designs and endpoints.

Alis D, Önal MO, Orman M et al. · Diagnostic and interventional radiology (Ankara, Turkey) · (2026) · 1 citations · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Diagnostic performance and clinical impact of photon-counting detector computed tomography in coronary artery disease.

This review studied the diagnostic performance and clinical impact of photon-counting detector CT (PCD-CT) for coronary artery disease (CAD), focusing on how PCD-CT addresses limitations of conventional coronary CT angiography. It found that recent evidence supports improved spatial resolution, better contrast-to-noise ratio, and reduced calcium blooming and stent-related artifacts with PCD-CT compared with energy-integrating detector CT. The review’s significance is that it positions PCD-CT as a potentially more accurate coronary imaging modality that could influence contemporary clinical decision-making in CAD evaluation.

Parikh R, Shin D, Ali ZA et al. · Current opinion in cardiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Photon-Counting CT for Cardiovascular Structural & Conduction System Imaging

Paced QRS morphology and lead location in left bundle branch area pacing assessed by photon-counting cardiac computed tomography.

This retrospective study used ultra-high-resolution photon-counting cardiac CT (PC-CT) to evaluate lead-tip location after left bundle branch area pacing (LBBAP) in 20 patients (9 left bundle branch pacing, 9 left ventricular septal pacing, 2 deep septal pacing) and relate it to paced QRS morphology. The key finding was that PC-CT enabled precise measurement of distances from the lead tip to the left and right ventricular endocardium and to the presumed His bundle, supporting characterization of how intra-septal position varies by pacing subtype. This improves mechanistic understanding of LBBAP and may help optimize lead placement to achieve desired electrical outcomes.

Goto K, Miyazaki S, Negishi M et al. · Heart rhythm · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

This retrospective quantitative imaging study analyzed interatrial septum (IAS) and sinoatrial (SA) node tissue characteristics using spectral photon-counting CT (PCCT) in 65 patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and 65 controls in sinus rhythm (from 802 PCCT coronary angiography referrals). The study found measurable differences in PCCT-derived quantitative markers of IAS fibrosis and SA-node/IAS structural properties (including IAS fibrosis scoring and vascular/anatomic metrics such as SA-artery length/anatomy and tissue density measures) between AF and control groups. Clinically, these PCCT-based imaging biomarkers may help identify AF-related conduction-system structural alterations and improve patient stratification beyond conventional coronary CT angiography.

Bilgeri V, Spitaler P, Kindl B et al. · Heart rhythm · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Photon-Counting CT for Aortic & Endovascular Surveillance

Detection of structural failure in bridging stent grafts: photon-counting CT versus dual-energy CT in a controlled in vitro study.

This controlled in vitro study compared photon-counting CT (PCCT) with dual-energy CT (DECT) for detecting structural failure (predefined wire fractures) in bridging stent grafts used in fenestrated and branched endovascular aortic repair (f/bEVAR). The key finding was that PCCT improved detectability of stent wire fractures relative to DECT by mitigating limitations from effective spatial resolution and metal blooming artifacts. This suggests PCCT may enable earlier and more reliable identification of bridging stent graft failure in endovascular surveillance.

Kern M, Dachs TM, Strassl A et al. · The Journal of cardiovascular surgery · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Effect of Monoenergetic Reconstructions and Ultra-High-Resolution on the Detection of Small Endoleaks With Photon-counting Detector CT.

Using an aneurysm phantom model, this experimental study tested how photon-counting detector CT (PCD-CT) ultra-high-resolution (UHR) mode and monoenergetic reconstructions at 40–60 keV affect detection of small endoleaks after endovascular aortic aneurysm repair. The key finding was that detection performance depends on reconstruction energy and resolution mode, with the study identifying optimal parameter combinations for visualizing small endoleaks. This is significant because it can guide PC-CT protocol optimization for more sensitive post-EVAR surveillance.

Szucs-Farkas Z, Perrin LG, M’Hamdi B et al. · Investigative radiology · (2026) · 1 citations · View on PubMed ↗

Photon-Counting CT for Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) Imaging Pathways

Diagnostic Imaging Pathways in Peripheral Artery Disease: A Comparative Review of Duplex Ultrasound Through Computed Tomography Angiography.

This comparative review synthesized diagnostic imaging pathways for peripheral artery disease (PAD), focusing on duplex ultrasound (DUS) versus computed tomography angiography (CTA) and related noninvasive strategies. The key finding was that CTA and DUS each play distinct roles in diagnosis, risk stratification, treatment planning, and postprocedural surveillance, with selection depending on clinical scenario and imaging needs. This helps clinicians choose the most appropriate imaging modality across the PAD spectrum from claudication to limb-threatening ischemia.

Malangu B, Kotev S · The International journal of angiology : official publication of the International College of Angiology, Inc · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Advancements in imaging for endovascular treatment of peripheral artery disease.

This narrative review studied the role of advanced imaging modalities in patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD) undergoing endovascular treatment, focusing on duplex ultrasound, computed tomography angiography (CTA), and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA). It found that these imaging techniques are central for diagnosis, endovascular (and surgical) planning, and post-treatment monitoring, with each modality offering distinct advantages and limitations that necessitate individualized imaging strategies. Clinically, the review emphasizes selecting the most appropriate imaging approach to optimize procedural planning and outcomes in PAD patients.

Raskin D, Zivkovic M, Kirksey L et al. · VASA. Zeitschrift fur Gefasskrankheiten · (2026) · 1 citations · View on PubMed ↗

Photon-Counting CT for Pulmonary Imaging (Nodules, Angiography, Perfusion)

Impact of ultra-low-dose imaging on image quality and volumetric accuracy of different subtypes of pulmonary nodules using photon-counting detector CT: a phantom study.

This phantom study evaluated ultra-high-resolution photon-counting detector CT (UHR PCD-CT) using an ultra-low-dose scanning protocol across 15 pulmonary nodule models of different sizes and subtypes. Ultra-low-dose imaging was assessed for effects on detection rate, image quality (noise SD, SNR, CNR), and volumetric accuracy using pulmonary nodule AI software, with quantitative comparisons across multiple dose levels. The work supports dose-reduction strategies for PCD-CT pulmonary nodule assessment while preserving measurement reliability.

Wang Y, Zhou Y, Lei L et al. · The British journal of radiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Increasing pulmonary artery visibility and diagnostic confidence with ultra-high resolution photon-counting detector CT pulmonary angiography.

This retrospective single-center study compared ultra-high-resolution photon-counting detector CT pulmonary angiography (UHR-PCD-CTPA) with dual-energy energy-integrating detector CT (EID) CTPA to improve pulmonary artery visibility and diagnostic confidence. Across 227 analyzed examinations, UHR-PCD-CTPA demonstrated improved peripheral pulmonary artery visibility and higher radiologist diagnostic confidence, supported by quantitative Hounsfield unit measurements and subjective image-quality ratings. The results suggest UHR-PCD-CTPA can enhance CTPA interpretability, particularly for distal/peripheral pulmonary vessels.

Pannenbecker P, Rüth C, Grunz JP et al. · European radiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Comparing the detectability of pulmonary nodules on two ultra-high resolution CT scanners: a preliminary phantom study.

This preliminary phantom study compared detectability of pulmonary nodules between an ultra-high-resolution CT scanner with energy-integrating detectors and a photon-counting CT (PCCT) in UHR mode. Using image quality and anthropomorphic phantoms scanned at 7.5/2.5/0.4 mGy, the authors computed noise power spectrum and task-based transfer function metrics and derived detectability indices (d’) for three chest nodules. The study provides objective evidence on how detector technology affects nodule detectability under UHR chest CT conditions.

Greffier J, Salvat C, Pastor M et al. · European radiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Photon-counting CT vs V/Q SPECT for lobar perfusion quantification in chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension.

This retrospective single-centre study compared photon-counting CT (PCCT) with ventilation/perfusion SPECT (V/Q-SPECT) for quantitative lobar lung perfusion assessment in 23 patients with suspected or confirmed chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). PCCT was evaluated as a higher-resolution, anatomy-inclusive alternative to V/Q-SPECT for improving lobar perfusion quantification, addressing V/Q-SPECT’s limited anatomical detail. If PCCT demonstrates superior agreement/accuracy, it could refine noninvasive CTEPH assessment and support more precise diagnostic and follow-up strategies.

Moeskes MMV, Derlin T, Hunkemöller AM et al. · European radiology · (2026) · 1 citations · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Photon-Counting CT for Gastrointestinal Ischemia Detection

Bowel ischemia detection on portal venous CT: multireader evaluation of dual-energy and photon-counting spectral imaging.

This multireader, crossover diagnostic accuracy study evaluated portal-venous CT for acute bowel ischemia using dual-energy CT (DECT) versus photon-counting CT (PCCT), comparing PV blended images alone versus PV blended images supplemented with spectral reconstructions. For each platform, spectral additions included 40-keV virtual monoenergetic images, iodine maps, and virtual non-contrast images, with performance assessed against a composite reference standard derived from surgery and other clinical criteria. The results clarify whether spectral reconstructions on DECT/PCCT improve bowel ischemia detection beyond blended PV images alone.

Mankertz F, Berger J, Maalouf N et al. · European radiology · (2026) · 2 citations · View on PubMed ↗

Photon-Counting CT for Breast Cancer & Breast Lesion Characterization

Performance of Photon-counting CT for Assessing Pretreatment Breast Cancer: Comparison with Mammography, MRI, and 18F-FDG PET/CT.

This prospective clinical study evaluated photon-counting CT (PCCT) for pretreatment breast cancer assessment in women with Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) category 4C or higher lesions, comparing PCCT with MRI, full-field digital mammography (FFDM), and 18F-FDG PET/CT. The key finding was that multiphasic contrast-enhanced PCCT was feasible for breast lesion evaluation and showed diagnostic performance relative to MRI/FFDM and PET/CT in the pretreatment setting. This supports PCCT as a potential single-modality alternative or complement for staging and treatment planning in breast cancer.

Fu Q, Zeng Y, Chang R et al. · Radiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Prone Photon-counting Computed Tomography With Iodine Mapping for Differentiating Breast Masses: A Prospective Study.

This prospective single-center study assessed prone-position photon-counting CT with iodine mapping in differentiating malignant versus benign breast masses, evaluating lesion conspicuity, image quality, MRI correlation, and reader preference. The key finding was that PC-CT iodine mapping and related reconstructions (monoenergetic postcontrast and virtual noncontrast) were used to determine whether iodine-based contrast improves discrimination of breast lesions. Clinically, positive results would support PC-CT iodine mapping as a higher-resolution, quantitative adjunct for breast mass characterization.

Wilpert C, Pichotka MP, Molina-Fuentes MF et al. · Investigative radiology · (2026) · 2 citations · View on PubMed ↗

Photon-Counting CT for Oncologic Imaging Beyond Breast (Pancreas, Other Cancers)

Quantitative and qualitative evaluation of pancreatic cancer on photon-counting detector CT and dual-energy CT using standard reference images.

In a retrospective single-center study of 124 patients with pathologically proven pancreatic cancer, photon-counting detector CT (PCD-CT; n=62) was compared with dual-energy CT (DE-CT; n=62) using reference images equivalent to 120 kVp (70 keV virtual monoenergetic for PCD-CT and 80/Sn150 kVp blended for DE-CT). The key finding was that tumor-to-pancreas ratio (TPR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), along with qualitative depiction scores, were used to quantify and compare lesion conspicuity between the two spectral CT approaches. If PCD-CT improves quantitative contrast performance for pancreatic tumors under standard reference conditions, it could enhance routine diagnostic imaging quality.

Niiyama T, Naruto N, Nishikawa K et al. · Abdominal radiology (New York) · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Staging and imaging-based prognostication in renal cell carcinoma: current guidelines and practical considerations.

This 2026 review summarized current guidelines and practical considerations for imaging-based staging and prognostication in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) using multiphase CT and MRI. The key finding is that anatomic TNM labels alone are insufficient for tumor biology, and integrating imaging-based prognostic markers can refine preoperative risk assessment across major guidelines (AUA, EAU, NCCN). Clinically, this supports more tailored surveillance and treatment planning by using imaging features beyond stage.

Arita Y, Becker A, Leithner D et al. · Abdominal radiology (New York) · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Photon-Counting CT for Bone Microstructure, Mineral Density & Osteoporosis Risk

Association of Superior Semicircular Canal Roof Thickness With Age and Sex on Photon-counting Detector CT in a Japanese Cohort.

This retrospective cross-sectional study quantified superior semicircular canal (SSC) roof thickness using ultra-high-resolution photon-counting detector CT (PCD-CT) in 288 Japanese patients (576 ears) and tested associations with age and sex. The key finding was that SSC roof thickness could be measured with excellent intrarater and interrater reliability (ICC 0.966 and 0.939) and showed cross-sectional variation by age and sex. Scientifically and clinically, this supports using PCD-CT-derived SSC roof thickness as a reproducible morphometric biomarker relevant to otologic risk stratification.

Sakaida H, Yamada T, Ichikawa Y et al. · Otology & neurotology : official publication of the American Otological Society, American Neurotology Society [and] European Academy of Otology and Neurotology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Assessing bone microstructure and density with photon-counting CT: emerging applications and challenges.

This 2026 review synthesized preclinical and emerging evidence on photon-counting CT (PCCT) for bone microstructure and mineral density quantification, contrasting it with conventional energy-integrating CT and high-resolution peripheral quantitative CT. The key finding is that PCCT’s superior spatial/contrast resolution and material decomposition capability can enable accurate in vivo-like quantification of bone microarchitecture and mineral density with performance comparable to HR-pQCT. Clinically, this could expand quantitative osteoporosis and fracture-risk imaging beyond current CT modalities, though translation challenges remain.

Patzer TS, Schwartz FR, Panta RK et al. · Skeletal radiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Photon-Counting CT Physics/Methods: Dose, Reconstruction, and Detectability

Size-specific weighted detectability index for computed tomography image characterization.

This study developed and evaluated a size-specific weighted detectability index (SSW-d’) for computed tomography (CT) image characterization across patient sizes in low-dose CT acquisitions. The key finding was that SSW-d’ incorporates lesion-contrast weighting and water-equivalent diameter variability to provide a task-based detectability metric that better reflects performance changes with patient size than conventional approaches. This supports more reliable protocol optimization and image-quality comparisons across clinically relevant CT body habitus variations.

Fitton I, Greffier J, Dabli D et al. · Medical physics · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Reconstruction-kernel Dependence of Femoral Bone Marrow Attenuation in Whole-body Dual-source Photon-counting CT of Patients with Multiple Myeloma.

This retrospective study assessed how reconstruction kernel choice affects femoral bone marrow attenuation measurements in 103 patients with multiple myeloma undergoing noncontrast whole-body photon-counting CT (PCCT). The key finding was that femoral bone marrow attenuation depended on the selected standard body reconstruction kernels (Br32–Br68) and their corresponding quantitative kernels (Qr32–Qr68) in ultrahigh-resolution dual-source PCCT (96×0.2 mm at 90 kV/Sn 150 kV). Clinically, this indicates that kernel selection can bias quantitative marrow attenuation and should be standardized when using PCCT for multiple myeloma assessment.

Huflage H, Scheiner F, Grunz JP et al. · Academic radiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Phantom evaluation of small-pixel effect in ultra-high-resolution photon-counting CT: Noise texture and high-contrast spatial resolution.

This phantom study investigated the small-pixel effect in ultra-high-resolution photon-counting CT (UHR PCCT) by measuring noise texture and high-contrast spatial resolution under varying acquisition and reconstruction conditions. The key finding was that detector pixel size (small-pixel UHR mode) meaningfully altered noise properties and improved high-contrast spatial resolution across tested dose levels and reconstruction settings on an ACR phantom using a Siemens NAEOTOM Alpha.Peak PCCT system. These results help define how to tune UHR PCCT acquisition/reconstruction to achieve optimal resolution–noise tradeoffs.

Song KH, Shan C, Xu G et al. · Journal of applied clinical medical physics · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Spectral CT and Photon-counting Detector CT: Principles and Applications in Neuroradiology.

This 2026 review article summarized the principles and clinical applications of spectral CT and photon-counting detector CT (PCD-CT) in neuroradiology. The key finding was that both technologies—by enabling energy discrimination (spectral CT) and photon counting with energy measurement (PCD-CT)—improve spatial resolution and contrast-to-noise ratio while reducing noise and artifacts compared with conventional energy-integrating CT. This supports broader adoption of these detector technologies for enhanced visualization of neuroanatomy and pathology.

Hayes JC, Srinivasan A, Bapuraj JR · Radiology. Imaging cancer · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Appropriate dose reduction using photon-counting detector CT for temporal bone imaging: phantom and clinical studies with helical acquisition.

This phantom and clinical study compared photon-counting detector CT (PCD-CT) versus energy-integrating detector CT (EID-CT) for temporal bone imaging to determine how far dose could be reduced while maintaining equivalent image quality. Using visual scoring and a detectability index (d’) framework, the authors identified a PCD-CT dose-reduction limit that preserved temporal bone image detectability comparable to standard-dose EID-CT. Clinically, the results provide a data-driven pathway to lower radiation dose for temporal bone CT without sacrificing diagnostic performance.

Takahashi Y, Higaki F, Nakamura Y et al. · Japanese journal of radiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Assessment of trabecular microstructure using photon-counting CT: Influence of dose, spatial resolution and reconstruction algorithms.

This preclinical study assessed trabecular microstructure quantification with photon-counting CT (PCCT) by scanning seven excised human vertebral bodies embedded in polymethylmethacrylate on a clinical PCCT scanner (Siemens Naeotom Alpha), varying dose (20 mGy CTDIvol in native and 6–15 mGy in a thorax phantom) and reconstruction approach (filtered back projection vs iterative QIR3). The key finding was that measured bone microstructural parameters—bone mineral density (BMD), bone volume fraction (BV/TV), and trabecular separation (Tb.Sp)—depend on radiation dose, spatial resolution, noise, and reconstruction algorithm. Scientifically, the results inform how to optimize PCCT acquisition and reconstruction settings for reliable quantitative central-skeleton microstructure assessment.

Peña JA, Thomsen F, Damm T et al. · Bone · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Photon-Counting CT Spectral/Material Decomposition & Quantitative Mapping

Tracking the infiltration of gold-labelled monocytes into live human atherosclerotic plaques: Spectral photon counting CT imaging analysis.

This experimental study tracked gold-labeled human monocyte infiltration into live human atherosclerotic plaques using spectral photon-counting CT (SPCCT) alongside biochemical quantification. The key finding was that monocyte uptake into excised carotid plaques could be visualized and quantified using SPCCT after monocytes were incubated with gold nanoparticles and uptake was measured with microwave plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (MP-AES). This provides a translational imaging approach to study human plaque biology and monocyte-driven progression in real tissue.

Holmes D, Moghiseh M, Healy J et al. · Atherosclerosis · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Quantitative iodine-mapping of photon-counting CT detects large-vessel vasculitis: A case report.

This case report studied photon-counting detector CT (PCCT) with quantitative iodine mapping in a 69-year-old woman presenting with suspected large-vessel vasculitis after nondiagnostic initial brain CT/MRI and ultrasound. On repeat imaging, PCCT demonstrated concentric mural thickening of the aorta and supra-aortic branches, and retrospectively reconstructed iodine maps showed increased iodine concentration in the aortic wall. The findings suggest PCCT iodine quantification can improve detection of large-vessel vasculitis when conventional early imaging is inconclusive.

Lückerath S, Euler A · Radiology case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Photon-counting CT-enabled urolithiasis phenotyping: virtual non-iodine reconstructions, automated measurement, and spectral radiomics.

This review article assessed how photon-counting CT (PCCT) can enable urolithiasis phenotyping using virtual non-iodine (VNI) and virtual non-contrast (VNC) reconstructions, automated measurements, and spectral radiomics. The key finding is that PCCT’s detector-level energy discrimination and calcium-preserving reconstructions can shift stone characterization toward imaging-derived quantitative biomarkers rather than laboratory-only endpoints. Scientifically and clinically, this could improve noninvasive stone management decisions, including selecting acute interventions and targeted chemolitholysis.

Drobot RB · Abdominal radiology (New York) · (2026) · 2 citations · View on PubMed ↗

Liver Fat and Iron Quantification With Spectral Localizer Radiographs From Photon-counting Detector CT.

This phantom study evaluated whether liver fat content (LFC) quantification with spectral localizer radiographs from photon-counting detector CT (PCD-CT) remains accurate when hepatic iron is present. The key finding was that PCD-CT-based spectral localizer measurements could feasibly quantify LFC across multiple fat and liver iron concentration levels (0–50% LFC; LIC 0–6 mg/mL) despite iron confounding. If validated, this could improve noninvasive assessment of fatty liver by separating fat from iron-related signal effects.

Tognella A, Flohr T, Froehlich JM et al. · Investigative radiology · (2026) · 1 citations · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Photon-counting Computed Tomography of Degradable Bone Cement Loaded With Gadolinium Nanoparticles.

This experimental study investigated degradable hydroxyapatite-based bone cement loaded with gadolinium nanoparticles (GdNPs) and compared photon-counting CT (PCCT) versus energy-integrating CT (EID-CT) for contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) against vertebral bone. The key finding was that PCCT’s material decomposition could quantify gadolinium concentration in solution and in GdNP-loaded cements more accurately while improving CNR relative to EID-CT. This is significant for improving radiopacity and imaging-based monitoring of absorbable bone cements used in orthopedic applications.

Marks AE, Marco KPD, Barcena AJR et al. · Investigative radiology · (2026) · 2 citations · View on PubMed ↗

Material-dependent effects of x-ray pre-filtration on material decomposition in photon-counting CT.

This phantom-based physics study investigated how x-ray pre-filtration affects material decomposition performance in photon-counting CT (PCCT) across different filter materials and thicknesses using contrast agents spanning low-Z (iodine, barium) and high-Z (tantalum). It found that material decomposition (MD) basis-map performance varies with pre-filtration conditions on a CdZnTe PCCT system, comparing no pre-filter versus brass (0.375 mm) for single-contrast and multiple Cu/Sn pre-filters for dual-contrast (iodine+tantalum). The significance is that it provides actionable guidance for selecting pre-filtration to improve spectral separation and quantitative accuracy in PCCT material decomposition.

Aubrey JD, Perkinson EP, Wang G et al. · Physics in medicine and biology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

AI/Quantitative Software for Image Denoising, Workflow, and Biomarkers

Reproducibility and workflow efficiency of a novel software for quantitative coronary plaque characterization using photon-counting and energy-integrating detector computed tomography.

This retrospective study assessed reproducibility and workflow efficiency of a novel quantitative coronary plaque characterization software using photon-counting detector CT (PCD-CT) compared with energy-integrating detector CT (EID-CT) in 170 patients (86 EID-CT, 84 dual-source PCD-CT). The key finding was that the plaque quantification tool produced reproducible quantitative outputs and improved workflow efficiency, with results comparable between PCD-CT and EID-CT platforms. This supports broader clinical adoption of standardized quantitative coronary plaque analysis across CT detector technologies.

Sipos B, Vattay B, Boussoussou M et al. · European journal of radiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

This retrospective study evaluated an artificial intelligence denoising (AID) algorithm on dual-source cardiac photon-counting detector CT (PCD-CT) to mitigate BMI-related noise degradation while maintaining quantitative interchangeability versus quantum iterative reconstruction (QIR). In 100 patients undergoing non-contrast coronary artery calcium (CAC) scoring and contrast-enhanced CCTA, the PCD-CT-weighted AID reconstruction reduced BMI-associated noise while preserving strict quantitative diagnostic equivalence. The results indicate AI denoising can improve image quality in higher-BMI patients without compromising clinical quantitative metrics on PCD-CT.

Urban L, Berger J, Brendel JM et al. · European journal of radiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Machine Learning/Radiomics with Photon-Counting CT

Comparison of radiomics-based models for detection of Modic type 1 changes in photon-counting detector CT images of the lumbar spine.

This retrospective single-center study compared four radiomics-based machine-learning models for detecting Modic type 1 changes in lumbar spine photon-counting detector CT (PCD-CT) images, using MRI as the reference standard in 60 patients. Radiomic features extracted from segmented vertebrae were used with LASSO, Random Forest, XGBoost, and support vector machine approaches to determine which model best discriminated Modic type 1 changes. The work advances noninvasive, CT-based detection of MRI-defined inflammatory endplate changes using PCD-CT radiomics.

Marth AA, Fritz B, Sutter R · Skeletal radiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Clinical Workflow & Protocol Optimization (Contrast Reduction, Hardware Artifacts, Positioning)

Comparison of Iterative Metal Artifact Reduction Presets In Ultra-high-resolution Photon-counting CT Angiography of Patients with Total Knee Endoprosthesis.

This study compared iterative metal artifact reduction (IMAR) presets in ultra-high-resolution photon-counting CT angiography (PCCTA) for patients with total knee endoprostheses. The key finding was that different IMAR settings affected image quality and visualization of the popliteal vasculature in 25 patients (31 lower extremities) undergoing UHR-PCCTA. This indicates that optimizing IMAR parameters can improve vascular assessment accuracy in the presence of knee arthroplasty hardware.

Huflage H, Kunz AS, Wech T et al. · Academic radiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Photon counting detector CT contrast agent-reduced transcatheter aortic valve reconstruction planning: a comparative study.

This retrospective comparative study evaluated contrast agent–reduced CT protocols for transcatheter aortic valve reconstruction planning using photon-counting detector CT (PCD-CT) in 162 BMI-matched examinations. Compared with standard contrast dose (80 mL iohexol 300 mg/mL), reduced contrast dose (50 mL) with virtual monoenergetic reconstructions (70/60/50 keV) was used to maintain planning image quality for TAVR. The findings support lowering contrast volume for safer, more sustainable TAVR planning while retaining adequate PCD-CT reconstruction performance.

Layer YC, Isaak A, Mesropyan N et al. · European radiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Computed tomography of three smaller-sized supraglottic airway device prototypes in stillborn low-birth-weight neonates.

This experimental study evaluated three smaller-sized supraglottic airway device prototypes (Neo i-gel sizes 0.65, 0.75, 0.85) plus the smallest commercial i-gel size 1.0 in stillborn low-birth-weight neonates (>500 g) using photon-counting CT to assess anatomical positioning. The key finding was that photon-counting CT enabled quantitative measurement of device placement relative to perilaryngeal landmarks and assessment of effects on adjacent structures across the tested prototypes. Scientifically, the work supports using spectral photon-counting CT for preclinical/bench evaluation of neonatal airway devices where conventional imaging evidence is limited.

Dempsey T, Brismar TB, Svensson-Marcial A et al. · British journal of anaesthesia · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Generated automatically on September 02, 2026. Covers PubMed articles published August 26, 2026 – September 02, 2026. Summaries are AI-generated; always consult the original publication for clinical or research decisions.

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