What's New in Photon Counting CT? — September 03, 2026
AI-summarised digest of 35 PubMed articles on Photon Counting CT published in the last 7 days.
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What’s New in Photon Counting CT?
September 03, 2026 · 35 articles · 13 research themes · covering August 27, 2026 – September 03, 2026
Overview
Across this week’s set of studies and reviews, photon-counting (PCD/PCCT) and related spectral CT approaches are consistently positioned as a next-step imaging platform that improves spatial resolution, contrast-to-noise, and reduces key artifacts (e.g., calcium blooming and metal-related effects). Multiple cardiovascular and pulmonary investigations—supported by reviews—highlight strong diagnostic performance and improved visualization confidence, while technical papers and phantoms show that these gains depend on reconstruction choices (kernel, energy, small-pixel mode, resolution mode) and on how dose and detectability are optimized for specific tasks and patient sizes.
A second dominant theme is the move from “better images” to “better quantitative biomarkers.” Several studies use photon-counting advantages (energy discrimination, iodine/material decomposition, and higher-resolution detail) to enable quantitative characterization: coronary plaque metrics, atrial fibrillation structural markers, bowel ischemia spectral decision support, and lung perfusion quantification for CTEPH. Complementing this, AI/denoising and radiomics workflows (e.g., BMI-robust CAC/CCTA reconstruction, Modic type 1 radiomics) aim to preserve quantitative interchangeability while extending clinical robustness.
Finally, the clinical translation thread is evident in diverse application areas: contrast-reduced TAVR planning, improved surveillance for endovascular repair complications (fenestrated/branched EVAR stent-wire fractures; small endoleaks), and noninvasive tissue phenotyping for breast lesions and urolithiasis. Material-specific imaging (iodine mapping for vasculitis and breast differentiation; gadolinium- and gold-nanoparticle–based contrast quantification; liver fat quantification despite iron) underscores how photon-counting CT’s physics can be leveraged to measure biologically relevant composition—not just anatomy—potentially enabling earlier detection, safer planning, and more personalized management.
Dose reduction & low-dose protocol optimization
Size-specific weighted detectability index for computed tomography image characterization.
This study developed and evaluated a size-specific weighted detectability index (SSW-d’) for characterizing low-dose computed tomography (CT) image performance across patient size variability. 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 differences across clinically relevant body sizes than conventional approaches. This supports more reliable CT protocol optimization and reconstruction selection for low-dose imaging by accounting for patient-size–dependent detectability.
Fitton I, Greffier J, Dabli D et al. · Medical physics · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
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 protocol across 15 pulmonary nodule models of different sizes and subtypes. Ultra-low-dose scanning preserved detection rate and quantitative image quality metrics (including noise, SNR, CNR) and supported accurate nodule diameter and volumetry compared across dose levels using quantitative analysis and AI-based volume measurement software. The results support dose reduction strategies for PCD-CT pulmonary nodule assessment while maintaining volumetric accuracy.
Wang Y, Zhou Y, Lei L et al. · The British journal of radiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
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 can be reduced without losing image quality. Using visual scoring and detectability index (d’) measurements, the authors identified a PCD-CT dose-reduction limit that maintained image quality equivalence to standard-dose EID-CT. Clinically, this provides evidence-based guidance for lowering radiation dose in temporal bone CT using PCD-CT.
Takahashi Y, Higaki F, Nakamura Y et al. · Japanese journal of radiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Musculoskeletal imaging (bone microstructure, spine, temporal bone, marrow)
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 on noncontrast whole-body dual-source photon-counting CT (PCCT) in 103 patients with multiple myeloma. The key finding was that femoral bone marrow attenuation measurements varied with the selected standard body kernel (Br32–Br68) and corresponding quantitative kernels (Qr32–Qr68), demonstrating kernel-dependent quantitative behavior in PCCT. Clinically, this implies that kernel selection should be standardized or accounted for when using PCCT-derived attenuation as a quantitative biomarker in multiple myeloma.
Huflage H, Scheiner F, Grunz JP et al. · Academic radiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
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), enabling robust cross-sectional analysis of demographic associations. Scientifically, it establishes PCD-CT–based morphometry as a reliable method for studying age- and sex-related anatomical variation of the SSC roof.
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 evidence on photon-counting CT (PCCT) for bone microstructure and mineral density quantification, focusing on how PCCT’s detector-level energy discrimination and material decomposition enable improved imaging compared with conventional energy-integrating CT. The key finding is that preclinical studies suggest PCCT can quantify bone microarchitecture and mineral density with performance comparable to high-resolution peripheral quantitative CT (HR-pQCT), while translation to in vivo clinical use remains constrained by technical and practical challenges. Clinically, this positions PCCT as a promising next-generation tool for osteoporosis and microstructural bone disease assessment, provided remaining barriers to robust in vivo quantification are addressed.
Patzer TS, Schwartz FR, Panta RK et al. · Skeletal radiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Vascular imaging & peripheral artery disease (PAD) / endovascular surveillance
Detection of structural failure in bridging stent grafts: photon-counting CT versus dual-energy CT in a controlled in vitro study.
This in vitro phantom 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 structural defects relative to DECT by mitigating limitations from effective spatial resolution and metal-related blooming artifacts. This is significant because earlier, more reliable identification of stent wire fractures could improve surveillance and reduce complications after f/bEVAR.
Kern M, Dachs TM, Strassl A et al. · The Journal of cardiovascular surgery · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Diagnostic Imaging Pathways in Peripheral Artery Disease: A Comparative Review of Duplex Ultrasound Through Computed Tomography Angiography.
This comparative review summarized diagnostic imaging pathways for peripheral artery disease (PAD), focusing on duplex ultrasound (DUS) versus computed tomography angiography (CTA) and other noninvasive options. The key finding was that imaging choice depends on clinical scenario and need for anatomic detail, with CTA providing high-resolution vascular mapping while DUS offers accessible hemodynamic assessment. This is significant for guiding evidence-based selection of imaging tests for diagnosis, risk stratification, treatment planning, and postprocedural surveillance in PAD.
Malangu B, Kotev S · The International journal of angiology : official publication of the International College of Angiology, Inc · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Comparison of Iterative Metal Artifact Reduction Presets In Ultra-high-resolution Photon-counting CT Angiography of Patients with Total Knee Endoprosthesis.
This retrospective clinical study evaluated how different iterative metal artifact reduction (IMAR) presets affect ultra-high-resolution photon-counting CT angiography (UHR-PCCTA) image quality in 25 patients with total knee endoprostheses (31 lower extremities). The key finding was that IMAR settings influenced visualization of the popliteal vasculature by altering the degree of metal artifact suppression in the presence of knee prostheses. Clinically, this supports selecting appropriate IMAR parameters to improve noninvasive assessment of peripheral arteries in patients with knee joint implants.
Huflage H, Kunz AS, Wech T et al. · Academic radiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Effect of Monoenergetic Reconstructions and Ultra-High-Resolution on the Detection of Small Endoleaks With Photon-counting Detector CT.
Using an aneurysm phantom model mimicking medium- and large-sized patients, this experimental study assessed how photon-counting detector CT (PCD-CT) ultra-high-resolution (UHR) mode and monoenergetic reconstructions at multiple keV affect detection of small endoleaks after aortic aneurysm endovascular repair. The key finding was that detection performance depends on reconstruction energy (40–60 keV) and resolution mode (standard vs UHR), identifying technical parameters that optimize visualization of small endoleaks. Scientifically and clinically, optimizing PC-CT reconstruction settings could improve surveillance sensitivity for post-EVAR endoleaks while potentially reducing missed pathology.
Szucs-Farkas Z, Perrin LG, M’Hamdi B et al. · Investigative radiology · (2026) · 1 citations · View on PubMed ↗
Advancements in imaging for endovascular treatment of peripheral artery disease.
This narrative review studied the role of advanced imaging modalities in peripheral artery disease (PAD) for diagnosis, endovascular/surgical planning, and post-treatment monitoring. It concluded that duplex ultrasound, computed tomography angiography (CTA), and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) are the major current techniques, each with distinct advantages and limitations that necessitate individualized imaging strategies. Clinically, optimizing modality selection can improve procedural planning and outcome monitoring in PAD patients.
Raskin D, Zivkovic M, Kirksey L et al. · VASA. Zeitschrift fur Gefasskrankheiten · (2026) · 1 citations · View on PubMed ↗
Oncology imaging (breast, pancreatic, RCC staging/prognosis)
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 lesions classified as BI-RADS 4C or higher, comparing PCCT with breast 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 established modalities in the pretreatment setting. Clinically, this supports PCCT as a potential single-exam alternative or complement to MRI/FFDM and PET/CT for staging and treatment planning.
Fu Q, Zeng Y, Chang R et al. · Radiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Quantitative and qualitative evaluation of pancreatic cancer on photon-counting detector CT and dual-energy CT using standard reference images.
In a retrospective single-centre study of 124 pathologically proven pancreatic cancer patients undergoing initial dynamic contrast-enhanced upper abdominal CT (PCD-CT n=62; dual-energy CT [DE-CT] n=62), this work compared photon-counting detector CT (PCD-CT) and DE-CT for tumor depiction 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 the quantitative and qualitative performance comparison of tumor-to-pancreas ratio (TPR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) between the two spectral CT approaches under clinically relevant reference conditions. If PCD-CT improves TPR/CNR or lesion conspicuity versus DE-CT, it could enhance contrast-based pancreatic cancer imaging and potentially support more reliable detection and characterization in routine practice.
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 staging and imaging-based prognostication in renal cell carcinoma (RCC), focusing on how multiphase CT and MRI contribute to T-staging and risk stratification. The key finding is that anatomic staging alone is insufficient for tumor biology, and integrating imaging-based prognostic markers can refine preoperative risk assessment across major guideline frameworks (AUA, EAU, NCCN). Clinically, this supports more individualized RCC management by translating imaging features into prognostic information that complements histopathology and clinical factors.
Arita Y, Becker A, Leithner D et al. · Abdominal radiology (New York) · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Prone Photon-counting Computed Tomography With Iodine Mapping for Differentiating Breast Masses: A Prospective Study.
This prospective single-centre study assessed prone-positioned photon-counting CT (PC-CT) with iodine mapping to differentiate malignant from benign breast masses and to evaluate lesion conspicuity, image quality, MRI anatomic correlation, and reader preference. The key finding was the clinical utility of PC-CT iodine mapping (and related reconstructions such as monoenergetic postcontrast images and virtual noncontrast) for improving differentiation of breast lesions. If confirmed in larger cohorts, prone PC-CT with iodine quantification could strengthen breast imaging workflows by providing more specific contrast information than conventional CT.
Wilpert C, Pichotka MP, Molina-Fuentes MF et al. · Investigative radiology · (2026) · 2 citations · View on PubMed ↗
Photon-counting CT technology & reconstruction physics
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 mode) meaningfully influenced noise properties and spatial resolution across dose levels and reconstruction settings, demonstrating condition-dependent performance changes. This is important for optimizing UHR PCCT system configuration and reconstruction protocols to achieve the best balance of noise and resolution in clinical imaging.
Song KH, Shan C, Xu G et al. · Journal of applied clinical medical physics · (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 using energy-integrating detectors and a photon-counting CT (PCCT) in UHR mode. Using image quality phantoms and anthropomorphic phantoms scanned at 7.5/2.5/0.4 mGy, the authors computed noise power spectrum, task-based transfer function, and detectability indices (d’) for three nodules, alongside objective/subjective assessments by readers. The results provide early quantitative evidence on which detector technology better supports nodule detectability under UHR chest CT conditions.
Greffier J, Salvat C, Pastor M et al. · European radiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Contrast agent / material-specific imaging (iodine, Gd, gold nanoparticles)
Tracking the infiltration of gold-labelled monocytes into live human atherosclerotic plaques: Spectral photon counting CT imaging analysis.
This experimental study tracked the infiltration of gold-labeled human monocytes into live human atherosclerotic plaques using spectral photon-counting CT (SPCCT). The key finding was that monocyte uptake into excised carotid plaques could be visualized and quantified using gold nanoparticle labeling, with uptake measured by microwave plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (MP-AES) and imaging readouts from SPCCT. This provides a translational imaging approach to study human plaque biology and monocyte-driven atherogenesis in real tissue.
Holmes D, Moghiseh M, Healy J et al. · Atherosclerosis · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Liver Fat and Iron Quantification With Spectral Localizer Radiographs From Photon-counting Detector CT.
This phantom study evaluated whether spectral localizer radiographs from photon-counting detector CT (PCD-CT) can accurately quantify liver fat content (LFC) despite confounding liver iron concentration (LIC). Across 16 phantoms simulating LFC levels of 0%, 10%, 30%, and 50% and LIC levels of 0, 1.5, 3, and 6 mg/mL, the key finding was the feasibility and accuracy of LFC quantification in the presence of iron using PC-CT spectral localizer–based methods. If validated further, this approach could enable more reliable noninvasive assessment of fatty liver in patients with iron deposition and/or those receiving iodinated contrast.
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 study synthesized gadolinium nanoparticle–loaded degradable bone cement and tested whether photon-counting CT (PCCT) improves contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) versus energy-integrating CT (EID-CT) for distinguishing GdNP-loaded cement from vertebral bone. The key finding was that PCCT’s material decomposition can quantify gadolinium concentration in solution and in GdNP-loaded cements with improved imaging contrast characteristics. Clinically, this could improve postoperative visualization and monitoring of absorbable bone cements by enabling more accurate, quantitative imaging of radiopacity using PCCT.
Marks AE, Marco KPD, Barcena AJR et al. · Investigative radiology · (2026) · 2 citations · View on PubMed ↗
Neuroradiology & brain imaging applications
Spectral CT and Photon-counting Detector CT: Principles and Applications in Neuroradiology.
This 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 photon counting with energy discrimination (PCD-CT) or multi-energy separation (spectral CT)—improve spatial resolution and contrast-to-noise ratio while reducing noise and artifacts compared with conventional energy-integrating CT. This is significant because it frames how these detector-based CT advances can enhance visualization of neuroanatomy and pathology and support more accurate diagnostic workflows.
Hayes JC, Srinivasan A, Bapuraj JR · Radiology. Imaging cancer · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Inflammation & vasculitis detection
Quantitative iodine-mapping of photon-counting CT detects large-vessel vasculitis: A case report.
This case report studied photon-counting detector CT (PCCT) with retrospective iodine mapping in a 69-year-old woman with suspected large-vessel vasculitis and initially negative conventional CT/MRI/ultrasound. PCCT demonstrated concentric mural thickening of the aorta and supra-aortic branches, and iodine maps showed increased iodine concentration in the vessel wall. The findings suggest PCCT iodine quantification can improve detection of large-vessel vasculitis when early standard imaging is nondiagnostic.
Lückerath S, Euler A · Radiology case reports · (2026) · 1 citations · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Quantitative imaging & radiomics/AI for diagnosis
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 across 170 patients scanned on energy-integrating detector CT (EID-CT, n=86) versus dual-source photon-counting detector CT (PCD-CT, n=84). The key finding was that quantitative plaque metrics produced by the software were reproducible and that workflow efficiency improved/was comparable between platforms, with results aligned between EID-CT and PCD-CT. This supports broader clinical adoption of standardized quantitative coronary plaque analysis using PCD-CT.
Sipos B, Vattay B, Boussoussou M et al. · European journal of radiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Artificial intelligence denoising in cardiac photon-counting CT: mitigating BMI-related noise degradation while maintaining clinical interchangeability.
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 while preserving quantitative interchangeability versus quantum iterative reconstruction (QIR). The AID reconstructions reduced BMI-associated noise degradation and maintained strict quantitative diagnostic equivalence for non-contrast coronary artery calcium (CAC) scoring and contrast-enhanced coronary CT angiography (CCTA). The work suggests AI denoising can extend the robustness of PCD-CT for patients with higher BMI without sacrificing quantitative clinical performance.
Urban L, Berger J, Brendel JM et al. · European journal of radiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
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. Across 60 patients with PCD-CT and MRI within one week, radiomic feature extraction from segmented vertebrae and model training (LASSO, Random Forest, XGBoost, and support vector machines) yielded diagnostic performance differences among models for Modic type 1 detection. The results indicate that PCD-CT radiomics can potentially identify Modic type 1 changes noninvasively, potentially reducing reliance on MRI in selected settings.
Marth AA, Fritz B, Sutter R · Skeletal radiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
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 detecting acute bowel ischemia using dual-energy CT (DECT) versus photon-counting CT (PCCT). It compared portal-venous blended images alone versus blended images supplemented with spectral reconstructions (40-keV virtual monoenergetic images, iodine maps, and virtual non-contrast) across both scanner platforms, using a composite surgical/imaging reference standard. The findings clarify whether spectral tools on PCCT (and DECT) improve bowel ischemia detection beyond blended images alone.
Mankertz F, Berger J, Maalouf N et al. · European radiology · (2026) · 2 citations · View on PubMed ↗
Device/implant imaging & procedural guidance (airway, TAVR, stents, pacing leads)
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 (TAVR) 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 PCD-CT virtual monoenergetic reconstructions (e.g., 70/60/50 keV) maintained planning image quality and diagnostic utility. The findings support lowering contrast volume for TAVR planning to improve patient safety and address contrast supply constraints.
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 assessed three smaller-sized supraglottic airway device prototypes (including the smallest commercial i-gel size 1.0 and Neo i-gel prototypes sizes 0.65, 0.75, and 0.85) in stillborn low-birth-weight neonates weighing >500 g using photon-counting CT. The key finding was the anatomical positioning of these devices relative to perilaryngeal landmarks and their impact on adjacent structures as visualized/quantified by photon-counting CT (results were truncated in the provided abstract). Scientifically, photon-counting CT enabled high-resolution evaluation of neonatal airway device fit, supporting development and selection of safer resuscitation and surfactant-delivery devices for very small infants.
Dempsey T, Brismar TB, Svensson-Marcial A et al. · British journal of anaesthesia · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Pulmonary imaging (CTPA, nodules, perfusion, CTEPH)
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. UHR-PCD-CTPA demonstrated better peripheral pulmonary artery visibility and higher radiologist diagnostic confidence, supported by objective Hounsfield unit measurements and subjective image-quality ratings across image quality indices (IQ50 and IQ25). The study suggests UHR-PCD-CTPA can enhance CTPA performance, potentially improving detection of clinically relevant pulmonary vascular disease.
Pannenbecker P, Rüth C, Grunz JP 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 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 lobar perfusion quantification, aiming to improve diagnostic accuracy despite V/Q-SPECT being the current first-line standard. If PCCT demonstrates superior or concordant lobar perfusion quantification, it could refine noninvasive CTEPH assessment and treatment planning by combining perfusion quantification with detailed vascular/parenchymal visualization in one scan.
Moeskes MMV, Derlin T, Hunkemöller AM et al. · European radiology · (2026) · 1 citations · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Cardiovascular imaging (coronary, cardiac structure, electrophysiology)
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 [LBBP], 9 left ventricular septal pacing [LVSP], and 2 deep septal pacing [DSP]) and relate it to paced QRS morphology. The key finding was the characterization of distances from the lead tip to the left and right ventricular endocardium and to the presumed His bundle, alongside septal thickness, to clarify how intra-septal lead position corresponds to paced QRS patterns. Scientifically and clinically, this supports more precise imaging-guided optimization of LBBAP implantation by linking PC-CT–measured anatomy to electrophysiologic outcomes.
Goto K, Miyazaki S, Negishi M et al. · Heart rhythm · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
A scoping review of photon-counting detector computed tomography in cardiovascular imaging.
This scoping review evaluated photon-counting detector computed tomography (PCD-CT) for cardiovascular imaging across 59 included studies published between January 2021 and September 2025. The review found that, despite heterogeneity in protocols and endpoints, PCD-CT showed strong diagnostic performance in coronary imaging (e.g., reported per-patient specificity of 98% vs 93% in a routine-practice cohort) and was synthesized across coronary, myocardial, structural/valvular, pulmonary-cardiopulmonary function, and aortic/visceral/peripheral arterial domains. The significance is that PCD-CT’s direct photon energy detection supports higher-resolution, multi-energy cardiovascular assessment, but standardized study designs are needed to confirm clinical impact across indications.
Alis D, Önal MO, Orman M et al. · Diagnostic and interventional radiology (Ankara, Turkey) · (2026) · 1 citations · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Quantification of Atrial Fibrillation-Related Imaging Markers Using Spectral Photon-Counting Computed Tomography.
This retrospective quantitative imaging study used spectral photon-counting computed tomography (PCCT) to analyze atrial fibrillation (AF)-related structural markers in 65 AF patients versus 65 controls in sinus rhythm (from 802 PCCT coronary angiography referrals). The key findings (partially truncated) focused on quantifying interatrial septum (IAS) fibrosis scores, IAS and sinoatrial (SA) node density, and SA-artery length/anatomy along the anterior internodal bundle and SA node vascular supply. The significance is that PCCT may noninvasively characterize conduction-system structural alterations that could improve AF phenotyping and risk stratification.
Bilgeri V, Spitaler P, Kindl B et al. · Heart rhythm · (2026) · 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 computed tomography (PCD-CT) for coronary artery disease (CAD) relative to conventional energy-integrating detector CT. It reported that recent evidence supports improved spatial resolution, better contrast-to-noise ratio, and reduced calcium blooming and stent-related artifacts with PCD-CT. The clinical significance is that these technical advantages may translate into more accurate coronary assessment and potentially broader adoption of PCD-CT in contemporary cardiovascular imaging workflows.
Parikh R, Shin D, Ali ZA et al. · Current opinion in cardiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Urolithiasis & renal stone phenotyping
Photon-counting CT-enabled urolithiasis phenotyping: virtual non-iodine reconstructions, automated measurement, and spectral radiomics.
This review discussed photon-counting CT (PCCT)–enabled urolithiasis phenotyping, emphasizing virtual non-iodine (VNI) and virtual non-contrast (VNC) reconstructions, automated measurements, and spectral radiomics for noninvasive stone characterization. The key finding is that PCCT’s energy discrimination and higher spatial resolution enable calcium-preserving reconstructions and quantitative spectral analytics that may shift stone composition assessment toward imaging-derived biomarkers rather than laboratory endpoints. This could improve clinical decision-making for acute management, secondary prevention, and selective chemolitholysis by more accurately identifying stone type without invasive testing.
Drobot RB · Abdominal radiology (New York) · (2026) · 2 citations · View on PubMed ↗
Generated automatically on September 03, 2026. Covers PubMed articles published August 27, 2026 – September 03, 2026. Summaries are AI-generated; always consult the original publication for clinical or research decisions.