What's New in Photon Counting CT? — September 04, 2026

AI-summarised digest of 36 PubMed articles on Photon Counting CT published in the last 7 days.

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What’s New in Photon Counting CT?

September 04, 2026 · 36 articles · 28 research themes · covering August 28, 2026 – September 04, 2026

Overview

Across this week’s set of papers, a dominant theme is the push to make photon-counting (PCCT/PCD-CT/UHR PCCT) not just higher-resolution, but quantitatively reliable—through material decomposition (e.g., gadolinium quantification in bone cement), energy- and iodine-based reconstructions (e.g., breast mass characterization, vasculitis detection, bowel ischemia conspicuity), and task-based or size-aware quality metrics (e.g., detectability indices and kernel effects). Multiple studies also emphasize that “quantitative” performance depends on acquisition/reconstruction choices: reconstruction energy/keV, UHR mode, kernel selection, iterative metal artifact reduction, and denoising algorithms can materially change measured values or detectability, which is crucial for longitudinal comparisons and protocol standardization.

Clinically, the evidence clusters around cardiovascular and vascular imaging workflows and surveillance. Scoping/review work highlights where PCD-CT is most promising in cardiovascular territories, while original studies and phantoms address practical challenges such as stent/graft visualization and failure detection (including endoleaks and bridging stent fractures), carotid body identifiability, and improved noninvasive follow-up for intracranial aneurysms treated with flow diverters. In parallel, disease-specific applications extend into oncology (breast and pancreatic cancer depiction), pulmonary imaging (CTEPH perfusion quantification and CTPA/nodule detectability), and other organ systems (liver fat quantification despite iron, urolithiasis phenotyping, and temporal bone anatomy), supported by both clinical cohorts and targeted phantom experiments.

Finally, several papers frame PCCT as a platform for biomarker development and translational imaging: from bone microstructure/mineral density reviews to immune-cell trafficking in human atherosclerotic plaques, and radiomics-based detection of degenerative spine inflammation. Together, the studies suggest the field is moving from feasibility toward optimization, standardization, and clinically meaningful quantitative endpoints—while repeatedly showing that detector technology gains are maximized only when reconstruction, dose, and artifact-handling strategies are carefully tuned to the specific task.

Photon-counting CT for carotid body visualization

Photon-Counting Detector CT Improves Visualization of the Normal Carotid Body Compared with Energy-Integrating Detector CT.

This retrospective study compared photon-counting detector CT (PCD-CT) versus energy-integrating detector CT (EID-CT) for visualizing carotid bodies in 37 patients (74 carotid bifurcations). PCD-CT improved the definitive identifiability of the normal carotid body compared with EID-CT, which had reported detection rates of only 62%–91% on conventional scanners. Better carotid body visualization could enhance noninvasive assessment of this small chemoreceptor organ and improve consistency of imaging-based studies and potential clinical evaluation.

LaVere MG, Farnsworth P, Yu L et al. · AJNR. American journal of neuroradiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Photon-counting CT for imaging protocol optimization & quantitative metrics (dose, kernels, detectability indices, metal artifact reduction, iterative reconstruction, small-pixel effect)

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

This study developed and evaluated a size-specific weighted detectability index (SSW-d’), a task-based CT image quality metric that incorporates lesion contrast weighting and water-equivalent diameter variability, for low-dose CT characterization across patient sizes. The key finding was that SSW-d’ provides a size-aware detectability performance measure intended to better reflect reconstruction quality under clinically relevant variability than non–size-specific metrics. This supports more robust protocol optimization and acquisition/reconstruction selection for low-dose CT across different body habitus.

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

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

In 103 consecutive patients with multiple myeloma undergoing noncontrast whole-body dual-source photon-counting CT (PCCT), the study assessed how reconstruction kernel choice (standard body kernels Br32–Br68 and corresponding quantitative kernels Qr32–Qr68) affects femoral bone marrow attenuation. Kernel selection significantly influenced measured femoral bone marrow attenuation values in this PCCT setting. These results are clinically important because they can affect quantitative interpretation of marrow attenuation for disease assessment and longitudinal comparisons.

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 evaluated 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 versus standard-resolution mode) meaningfully affected noise properties and spatial resolution across dose and reconstruction settings. These results guide optimization of UHR PCCT protocols to maximize resolution while controlling noise.

Song KH, Shan C, Xu G et al. · Journal of applied clinical medical physics · (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 study evaluated how different iterative metal artifact reduction (IMAR) settings affect ultra-high-resolution photon-counting CT angiography (UHR-PCCTA) visualization of the popliteal vasculature in 25 patients with knee arthroplasty (31 lower extremities). The key finding was that IMAR preset choice meaningfully changed image quality in the presence of knee prosthesis metal, improving vascular assessment near the popliteal region compared with less effective settings. These results support selecting optimized IMAR presets for UHR-PCCTA to reduce prosthesis-related artifacts and improve noninvasive peripheral artery disease evaluation.

Huflage H, Kunz AS, Wech T et al. · Academic radiology · (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) with energy-integrating detector CT (EID-CT) to determine the maximum dose reduction for temporal bone imaging while maintaining equivalent image quality. Using visual scoring and detectability index (d’) measurements across dose levels, the authors identified a PCD-CT dose-reduction limit that preserved image quality comparable to standard-dose EID-CT. Clinically, this supports safer temporal bone CT protocols by leveraging PCD-CT to reduce radiation dose without sacrificing diagnostic performance.

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

Photon-counting CT for temporal bone/otologic anatomy

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. SSC roof thickness showed measurable cross-sectional variation with age and sex, with excellent intrarater and inter-rater reliability on Pöschl-plane reconstructions (0.2 mm slice thickness). Establishing normative, demographic-linked thickness patterns can improve interpretation of temporal bone PCCT for otologic diagnosis and research.

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 ↗

Photon-counting CT for endovascular stent graft failure detection

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

Using an in vitro phantom model containing commercially available bridging stent grafts with predefined wire fractures, this study compared photon-counting CT (PCCT) versus dual-energy CT (DECT) for detecting structural failure. PCCT improved detectability of stent wire fractures/structural defects compared with DECT, addressing limitations from spatial resolution and metal blooming on conventional CT. Earlier and more reliable detection of stent graft failure could improve surveillance and decision-making in fenestrated/branched endovascular aortic repair (f/bEVAR).

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

Photon-counting CT for breast cancer imaging & mass characterization

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

In a prospective study (March–May 2025), female participants with breast lesions (BI-RADS 4C or higher) underwent multiphasic contrast-enhanced photon-counting CT (PCCT) and breast MRI, with comparisons also made to full-field digital mammography (FFDM) and 18F-FDG PET/CT in a subset. The study found that PCCT was feasible for pretreatment breast cancer assessment and showed diagnostic performance relative to MRI, FFDM, and PET/CT. If validated, PCCT could provide a single-session alternative with improved spatial resolution and contrast-to-noise characteristics for staging and treatment planning.

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 evaluated prone-position photon-counting CT (PC-CT) with iodine mapping for differentiating malignant versus benign breast masses, assessing lesion conspicuity, image quality, MRI correlation, and reader preference using PC-CT iodine, PC-CT contrast-enhanced monoenergetic images (C+), and PC-CT virtual non-contrast (VNC). The key finding was that iodine mapping and related PC-CT reconstructions can be used to distinguish breast mass pathology while leveraging PC-CT’s higher spatial resolution and quantitative iodine capability. Clinically, this supports the potential role of PC-CT in breast imaging to improve diagnostic accuracy and reduce reliance on less specific contrast features.

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

Photon-counting CT for immune-cell trafficking in atherosclerotic plaques

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

This experimental study tracked infiltration of gold-labeled human monocytes into live human atherosclerotic plaques using spectral photon counting CT (SPCCT) after monocyte incubation with gold nanoparticles. SPCCT imaging detected and enabled visualization/quantification of monocyte uptake and movement into excised carotid plaque samples, corroborated by gold nanoparticle uptake measurement using microwave plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (MP-AES). This provides a translational imaging approach to study human plaque biology and immune-cell trafficking in a way that can complement or replace animal-only models.

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

Photon-counting CT for neuroradiology (spectral/PCCT principles & reviews)

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

This narrative review summarized the principles and clinical/scientific applications of spectral CT and photon-counting detector CT (PCD-CT) in neuroradiology. The central finding is that photon-counting and spectral detector technologies can improve spatial resolution, contrast-to-noise ratio, and artifact reduction compared with energy-integrating CT by enabling energy discrimination and multienergy imaging from a single acquisition. These capabilities are significant for more accurate tissue characterization and potentially improved diagnostic performance across neuroradiologic conditions.

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

Photon-counting CT for peripheral artery disease (PAD) imaging

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

This comparative review summarized diagnostic imaging pathways in peripheral artery disease (PAD), focusing on duplex ultrasound (DUS) versus computed tomography angiography (CTA) across the disease spectrum from intermittent claudication to chronic limb-threatening ischemia and acute limb ischemia. The key takeaway was that CTA and DUS play complementary roles in noninvasive vascular imaging for diagnosis, risk stratification, treatment planning, and postprocedural surveillance. Clarifying when to use each modality can improve patient selection, workflow efficiency, and diagnostic accuracy in PAD care.

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 review studied advances in imaging methods used for diagnosis, procedural planning, and follow-up in patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD) undergoing endovascular treatment. It concluded that duplex ultrasound, computed tomography angiography (CTA), and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) are central modalities, each with distinct advantages and limitations that should be matched to patient-specific needs. Scientifically and clinically, the article supports individualized imaging strategies to improve procedural planning and post-treatment monitoring in PAD.

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

Photon-counting CT for large-vessel vasculitis detection (case report)

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

This case report studied a 69-year-old woman with suspected large-vessel vasculitis using photon-counting detector CT (PCCT) with retrospective iodine-map reconstruction. PCCT demonstrated concentric mural thickening of the aorta and supra-aortic branches, and iodine maps showed increased iodine concentration in the aortic wall despite initially negative brain CT/MRI and ultrasound. The report highlights PCCT iodine mapping as a clinically useful technique for detecting active large-vessel vasculitis when conventional workup is nondiagnostic.

Lückerath S, Euler A · Radiology case reports · (2026) · 1 citations · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Photon-counting CT for pulmonary imaging (nodules & CTPA)

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 investigated the effect of ultra-low-dose scanning on detection rate, image quality, and volumetric accuracy of different pulmonary nodule subtypes using ultra-high-resolution photon-counting detector CT (UHR PCD-CT). Across five dose levels, quantitative metrics (including noise, SNR/CNR, and AI-based volumetry) showed how far dose could be reduced while preserving acceptable detection and measurement performance for nodules of varying size and type. The findings provide dose-reduction guidance for UHR PCD-CT pulmonary nodule assessment while maintaining quantitative 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 pulmonary angiography (EID-CTPA) to improve pulmonary artery visibility and diagnostic confidence. UHR-PCD-CTPA at different image quality indices (IQ50 and IQ25) produced higher peripheral pulmonary artery visibility and improved radiologist diagnostic confidence than dual-energy EID-CTPA. The study supports UHR-PCD-CTPA as a superior technique for detailed pulmonary vascular assessment, potentially enabling lower-dose or higher-resolution CTPA workflows.

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 using energy-integrating detectors and a photon-counting CT (PCCT) scanner in UHR mode. Using noise power spectrum, task-based transfer function, and detectability indices (d’) for three nodule types at matched UHR settings (7.5/2.5/0.4 mGy), the authors quantified differences in noise texture/spatial resolution and modeled nodule detectability. The results provide early, objective evidence on which detector technology better supports UHR pulmonary nodule detection under low-dose conditions.

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

Photon-counting CT for coronary plaque quantification & workflow

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) versus energy-integrating detector CT (EID-CT) in 170 patients (84 PCD-CT, 86 EID-CT). The key finding was that the plaque quantification tool produced reproducible results and improved workflow efficiency while maintaining agreement between PCD-CT and EID-CT measurements. 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 ↗

Photon-counting CT for cardiac CT denoising & BMI robustness

This retrospective study evaluated whether an artificial intelligence denoising (AID) algorithm on dual-source cardiac photon-counting detector CT (PCD-CT) can mitigate BMI-related noise degradation while preserving quantitative interchangeability with quantum iterative reconstruction (QIR) in 100 patients undergoing non-contrast CAC scoring and contrast-enhanced CCTA. The key finding was that the PCD-CT-weighted AID reduced BMI-associated noise while maintaining strict quantitative diagnostic equivalence and clinical interchangeability relative to QIR. This suggests AID-enabled PCD-CT reconstruction can improve image quality in higher-BMI patients without compromising diagnostic consistency.

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

Photon-counting CT for Modic type 1 detection in lumbar spine (radiomics)

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. The key finding was that model performance differed across LASSO, Random Forest, XGBoost, and support vector machine approaches when trained on radiomic features extracted from segmented vertebrae. The results inform which radiomics model is most effective for MRI-referenced detection of degenerative vertebral endplate inflammation using PCD-CT.

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

Photon-counting CT for valvular/TAVR planning & contrast reduction

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 on photon-counting detector CT (PCDCT) in 162 BMI-matched examinations. Compared with standard contrast dose (80 mL iohexol 300 mg/mL), reduced contrast dose (50 mL) with PCDCT virtual monoenergetic reconstructions (70/60/50 keV) maintained sufficient image quality for TAVR planning. The findings support lowering iodinated contrast volume for TAVR planning while preserving the diagnostic utility of PCDCT reconstructions.

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

Photon-counting CT for gastrointestinal ischemia detection (spectral reconstructions)

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

This retrospective single-center multireader crossover diagnostic accuracy study evaluated acute bowel ischemia detection on portal-venous (PV) CT in patients imaged with dual-energy CT (DECT) versus photon-counting CT (PCCT), comparing PV blended images alone versus PV blended images supplemented with spectral reconstructions (40-keV virtual monoenergetic images, iodine maps, and virtual non-contrast). Adding spectral reconstructions improved diagnostic performance for detecting acute bowel ischemia across scanner platforms, with results analyzed separately for DECT and PCCT. These findings support using PCCT/DECT spectral reconstructions to enhance ischemia conspicuity on routine PV-phase CT, potentially improving noninvasive triage for urgent surgical management.

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

Photon-counting CT for pulmonary embolism/CTEPH perfusion quantification

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

This retrospective single-center study compared quantitative lobar lung perfusion measurements derived from photon-counting CT (PCCT) against ventilation/perfusion SPECT (V/Q-SPECT) in 23 patients with suspected or confirmed chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). PCCT provided perfusion quantification that could be directly compared with V/Q-SPECT lobar perfusion, aiming to address V/Q-SPECT’s limited anatomic detail. If validated, PCCT could become a more comprehensive imaging alternative for CTEPH assessment by combining high-resolution perfusion quantification with concurrent anatomic evaluation in one scan.

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

Photon-counting CT for bone microstructure/mineral density & bone biomarkers (review)

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

This 2026 review synthesized preclinical and emerging clinical evidence on photon-counting CT (PCCT) for bone microstructure and mineral density assessment, focusing on how PCCT’s detector-level energy discrimination and material decomposition enable quantitative microarchitecture imaging. The key finding is that PCCT can quantify bone microarchitecture and mineral density with performance approaching that of high-resolution peripheral quantitative CT (HR-pQCT), while also highlighting translation challenges for in vivo clinical use. Scientifically, this positions PCCT as a next-generation platform for noninvasive bone quality biomarkers beyond conventional CT, with potential impact on osteoporosis and fracture-risk stratification.

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

Photon-counting CT for cardiac electrophysiology & lead localization

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, including groups with left bundle branch pacing (LBBP), left ventricular septal pacing (LVSP), and deep septal pacing (DSP). PC-CT enabled precise measurement of distances from the lead tip to the LV/RV endocardium and the presumed His bundle, and related these positions to paced QRS morphology. Clinically, this improves understanding of how intra-septal lead placement influences electrical outcomes in LBBAP, supporting more targeted implantation strategies.

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

Photon-counting CT for urolithiasis phenotyping

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

This narrative review summarized how photon-counting CT (PCCT) enables 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 calcium-preserving reconstruction strategies and quantitative spectral analytics can shift stone characterization toward imaging-derived biomarkers that may better guide intervention and chemolitholysis selection. This is significant because more accurate, noninvasive stone phenotyping could reduce unnecessary procedures and improve personalized management of kidney stones.

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

Photon-counting CT for pancreatic cancer depiction

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

This retrospective single-center study compared photon-counting detector CT (PCD-CT) and dual-energy CT (DECT) for pancreatic cancer depiction in 124 patients with pathologically proven disease, using reference conditions equivalent to 120 kVp (70 keV virtual monoenergetic images for PCD-CT and 80/Sn150 kVp linearly blended images for DECT). The key finding was a quantitative and qualitative comparison of tumor-to-pancreas ratio (TPR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) between platforms under standardized reference images. If PCCT/PCD-CT demonstrates superior or more consistent contrast performance, it could improve pancreatic cancer conspicuity and diagnostic confidence in routine clinical imaging.

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

Photon-counting CT for renal cell carcinoma (RCC) imaging-based prognostication (review)

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

This 2026 review assessed current guidelines and practical considerations for imaging-based staging and prognostication in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) using CT and MRI. The key finding is that anatomic TNM labels alone are insufficient for capturing tumor biology, and integrating imaging-based prognostic markers from multiphase CT/MRI can refine preoperative risk assessment. Clinically, this supports more individualized RCC management by improving how imaging informs prognosis and treatment planning across major guideline frameworks.

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

Photon-counting CT for abdominal/vascular endoleak detection & aortic repair surveillance

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

This experimental phantom study evaluated how monoenergetic reconstructions at different keV and ultra-high-resolution (UHR) mode on photon-counting detector CT (PCD-CT) affect detection of small endoleaks after endovascular aortic aneurysm repair. The key finding was that reconstruction energy selection and UHR acquisition parameters meaningfully influence endoleak detectability in a controlled aneurysm phantom model. Scientifically and clinically, optimizing PC-CT reconstruction settings could improve surveillance sensitivity for clinically important small endoleaks.

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

Photon-counting CT for liver fat & iron-confounded quantification

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

This phantom study tested whether liver fat content (LFC) can be quantified accurately with spectral localizer radiographs from photon-counting detector CT (PCD-CT) despite confounding hepatic iron deposition and the presence of iron. Using 16 fat-and-iron liver phantoms spanning multiple LFC and liver iron concentration (LIC) levels, the study evaluated feasibility and accuracy of LFC quantification under iron-containing conditions. This is significant because it advances toward more reliable noninvasive assessment of fatty liver disease when iron coexists, improving interpretation of liver composition on CT.

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

Photon-counting CT for bone cement & gadolinium quantification

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

The study investigated whether photon-counting computed tomography (PCCT) can improve contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) and accurately decompose materials to quantify gadolinium concentration in hydroxyapatite-based degradable bone cement loaded with gadolinium nanoparticles (GdNPs), comparing PCCT with energy-integrating CT (EID-CT) against vertebral bone. GdNP-loaded cement produced superior PCCT-based contrast performance and PCCT material decomposition enabled quantification of gadolinium concentration in solution and in the GdNP-loaded cements. This supports PCCT as a more quantitative imaging approach for optimizing radiopacity of absorbable bone cements used in spine/vertebral applications.

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

Photon-counting CT cardiovascular imaging (scoping/reviews)

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

This scoping review studied the evidence base for photon-counting detector CT (PCD-CT) in 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 enables high-resolution, multi-energy cardiovascular imaging with reported diagnostic performance metrics (e.g., coronary specificity) that are often comparable or improved relative to conventional CT approaches. Clinically, the synthesis highlights where PCD-CT is most promising (coronary, myocardial, structural/valvular, pulmonary-cardiopulmonary function, and vascular territories) and where standardization and further comparative trials are needed.

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

Photon-counting CT for neurovascular aneurysm surveillance

Assessment of image quality and feasibility of Photon-Counting detector CT for the Non-Contemporaneous follow-up of intracranial aneurysms treated with flow diverter stents.

This retrospective cohort study evaluated photon-counting detector CT (PCD-CT) for non-contemporaneous follow-up imaging of intracranial aneurysms treated with flow diverter stents, comparing image quality with intraoperative baseline DSA and flat-panel detector CT (VasoCT) in 30 patients (32 aneurysms). PCD-CT was feasible for assessing stent lumen visibility and achieved quantitative image-quality metrics (e.g., signal-to-noise ratio and contrast-related measures) sufficient for blinded neurointerventionalist evaluation. The findings suggest PCD-CT could improve long-term, noninvasive surveillance of flow-diverter-treated aneurysms by providing high-quality stent visualization outside the immediate procedural setting.

Gao JP, Bian Y, Zhang RJ et al. · European journal of radiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Photon-counting CT for airway device assessment in neonates

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 Neo i-gel sizes 0.65, 0.75, and 0.85 and the smallest commercial i-gel size 1.0—in stillborn low-birth-weight neonates using photon-counting CT. Using PCCT, the investigators quantified device positioning relative to perilaryngeal landmarks and evaluated effects on adjacent structures in neonates weighing >500 g. The results support the feasibility of PCCT-based anatomical assessment to guide selection and optimization of neonatal airway devices for very small patients.

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

Photon-counting CT for atrial fibrillation (AF) structural phenotyping

This study quantified atrial fibrillation (AF)-related structural imaging markers using spectral photon-counting computed tomography (PCCT) by analyzing the interatrial septum (IAS) along the anterior internodal bundle, the sinoatrial (SA) node, and their vascular supply in 65 AF patients versus 65 controls in sinus rhythm. It found measurable differences in PCCT-derived tissue characteristics—such as IAS fibrosis scores and tissue density measures around the IAS and SA node—between AF and control groups. These results indicate that spectral PCCT may enable noninvasive, quantitative characterization of conduction-system structural alterations relevant to AF risk stratification and phenotyping.

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

Generated automatically on September 04, 2026. Covers PubMed articles published August 28, 2026 – September 04, 2026. Summaries are AI-generated; always consult the original publication for clinical or research decisions.

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