What's New in Photon Counting CT? — September 05, 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 05, 2026 · 35 articles · 15 research themes · covering August 29, 2026 – September 05, 2026
Overview
Across this week’s set of studies and reviews, a dominant theme is that photon-counting/PCD-CT is moving from “better images” toward “quantitative, task-specific imaging.” Multiple works emphasize energy discrimination and material decomposition—using iodine mapping for breast mass triage, virtual non-contrast/virtual non-iodine approaches for urolithiasis, and spectral reconstructions for vascular inflammation and bowel ischemia. In parallel, several investigations show that quantitative performance depends on practical acquisition and reconstruction choices (e.g., reconstruction kernels in myeloma bone marrow, keV selection for endoleak detection, and size- and dose-aware detectability metrics), underscoring that clinical translation requires protocol standardization rather than assuming uniform benefit.
A second major thread is clinical feasibility for surveillance and small-structure detection in challenging settings. PC/PCD-CT is tested for noninvasive follow-up of neurovascular devices (flow-diverter-treated aneurysms), for improved visualization of small neurovascular/anatomic targets (carotid body, temporal bone morphometry), and for earlier identification of endovascular failure (bridging stent graft wire fractures, small aortic endoleaks). In cardiopulmonary domains, studies compare PCCT with conventional or alternative modalities for pulmonary embolism-related visualization, lobar perfusion in CTEPH, and coronary plaque quantification—often reporting improved confidence, detectability, or workflow efficiency.
Finally, the digest highlights the supporting infrastructure needed for real-world adoption: detector/system physics (edge-on detector modeling, small-pixel effect, spectral localizers), dose-reduction limits for temporal bone and pulmonary nodules, and image-quality mitigation via AI denoising. Machine-learning/radiomics approaches (e.g., Modic type 1 detection) and quantitative software reproducibility further suggest that the next step for photon-counting CT is not only better physics, but robust, automated, and reproducible pipelines that preserve quantitative equivalence across scanners, body sizes, and reconstruction settings.
Detector Physics, System Modeling & Spectral/Material Decomposition
Simulation and Design Study of Edge-on GaAs:Cr Detector for Clinical Photon Counting CT.
The study modeled and simulated an edge-on chromium-compensated GaAs:Cr photon-counting detector for clinical photon-counting CT (PCCT), using a full-chain detector model to predict spectral response and material-decomposition (MD) noise. The proposed edge-on geometry was designed to mitigate reduced X-ray absorption efficiency caused by limited GaAs:Cr wafer thickness (<1 mm) from Cr-compensation constraints. This work supports clinical PCCT detector design by improving spectral performance and MD noise behavior despite material-thickness limitations.
Zhong T, Li H, Qin W et al. · IEEE transactions on medical imaging · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Phantom evaluation of small-pixel effect in ultra-high-resolution photon-counting CT: Noise texture and high-contrast spatial resolution.
The 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. Using an ACR CT accreditation phantom on a Siemens NAEOTOM Alpha.Peak clinical PCCT system in standard-resolution (STD) and UHR modes across multiple dose levels, the authors characterized how pixel size influences noise properties and spatial resolution. These results guide optimization of UHR PCCT protocols to achieve better resolution while controlling noise texture.
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 review article summarized the principles and clinical applications of spectral CT and photon-counting detector (PCD) CT in neuroradiology. It highlighted how photon-counting detectors that count individual photons and measure energy enable improved spatial resolution, contrast-to-noise ratio, and artifact reduction compared with energy-integrating CT, supporting multienergy imaging from a single acquisition. The review is significant for clinicians and researchers seeking to understand how these detector technologies translate into neuroradiologic diagnostic performance and workflow.
Hayes JC, Srinivasan A, Bapuraj JR · Radiology. Imaging cancer · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Neurotologic/Temporal Bone Morphometry
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 the normal carotid body in 37 patients (74 carotid bifurcations). PCD-CT improved the likelihood that the carotid body was definitively identifiable compared with EID-CT, and the authors described the normal appearance on PCD-CT. Clinically, this suggests PCD-CT may increase detection reliability of small neurovascular structures that are inconsistently seen on conventional CT angiography.
LaVere MG, Farnsworth P, Yu L et al. · AJNR. American journal of neuroradiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
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 patients (576 ears) from a Japanese cohort. SSC roof thickness measured on Pöschl-plane reconstructions (0.2 mm slices) showed associations with age and sex, with excellent intrarater and inter-rater reliability (ICC 0.966 and 0.939). The results support using PCD-CT for anatomically precise temporal bone morphometry and for understanding normal variation relevant to otologic disease risk.
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 ↗
Quantitative Imaging Metrics, Reconstruction Kernels & Protocol Optimization
Size-specific weighted detectability index for computed tomography image characterization.
The authors developed and evaluated a size-specific weighted detectability index (SSW-d’), a task-based CT image quality metric (d’) that incorporates lesion contrast weighting and water-equivalent diameter variability. They reported that SSW-d’ better characterizes low-dose CT image performance across patient-size variability than non-size-specific detectability measures. This provides a more clinically relevant framework for protocol optimization and reconstruction assessment that accounts for how detectability changes with body size.
Fitton I, Greffier J, Dabli D et al. · Medical physics · (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 assessed how much dose can be reduced using photon-counting detector CT (PCD-CT) for temporal bone imaging while maintaining image quality comparable to standard-dose energy-integrating detector CT (EID-CT). Using a head phantom and detectability index (d’) comparisons across dose levels, it determined a practical dose-reduction limit for PCD-CT that preserves temporal bone image quality (clinical portion truncated). The significance is that it provides evidence-based guidance for lowering radiation dose in temporal bone CT using photon-counting technology without sacrificing diagnostic performance.
Takahashi Y, Higaki F, Nakamura Y et al. · Japanese journal of radiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Liver Fat and Iron Quantification With Spectral Localizer Radiographs From Photon-counting Detector CT.
In a phantom study with 16 liver phantoms containing controlled liver fat content (0%, 10%, 30%, 50%) and liver iron concentration (0–6 mg/mL), investigators assessed feasibility and accuracy of liver fat quantification using spectral localizer radiographs from photon-counting detector CT (PCD-CT). The key finding was that liver fat quantification could be performed in the presence of hepatic iron using this PCCT spectral localizer approach, addressing a known confounder for CT-based fat measurement. Clinically, this supports more reliable noninvasive liver fat quantification when iron deposition and/or contrast-related effects would otherwise bias conventional CT methods.
Tognella A, Flohr T, Froehlich JM et al. · Investigative radiology · (2026) · 1 citations · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Orthopedic/Spine Imaging & Bone Cement/Marrow
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 affects femoral bone marrow attenuation. Using ultrahigh-resolution mode (96×0.2 mm) at 90 kV/Sn and 150 kV, they reconstructed with body regular kernels Br32–Br68 and corresponding quantitative kernels Qr32–Qr68 to quantify kernel-dependent attenuation differences. The findings are important for standardizing quantitative PCCT measurements of bone marrow attenuation across reconstruction settings in myeloma imaging.
Huflage H, Scheiner F, Grunz JP et al. · Academic radiology · (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 assessment, contrasting PCCT capabilities (spatial/contrast resolution, dose efficiency, and material decomposition) with conventional energy-integrating CT and high-resolution peripheral quantitative CT (HR-pQCT). The key conclusion was that PCCT can enable accurate quantification of bone microarchitecture and mineral density with performance approaching HR-pQCT in preclinical settings, while highlighting translational challenges for in vivo clinical use. Scientifically, the review frames PCCT as a promising next-generation platform for bone phenotyping and mineral assessment with improved imaging physics.
Patzer TS, Schwartz FR, Panta RK et al. · Skeletal radiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Photon-counting Computed Tomography of Degradable Bone Cement Loaded With Gadolinium Nanoparticles.
This study synthesized gadolinium nanoparticle–loaded hydroxyapatite-based degradable bone cement and tested whether photon-counting CT (PCCT) improves contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) versus energy-integrating CT (EID-CT) for differentiating GdNP-loaded cement from vertebral bone. PCCT provided superior CNR and enabled accurate material decomposition to quantify gadolinium concentration in solution and within the GdNP-loaded cements. These results suggest PCCT could enhance radiopacity and quantitative monitoring of absorbable bone cements, improving imaging-based assessment of spinal/orthopedic implants.
Marks AE, Marco KPD, Barcena AJR et al. · Investigative radiology · (2026) · 2 citations · View on PubMed ↗
Endovascular Aortic Repair & Stent/Graft Surveillance
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 containing commercially available bridging stent grafts (BSG) with predefined wire fractures, the study compared photon-counting CT (PCCT) against dual-energy CT (DECT) for detecting structural failure. PCCT improved detectability of stent wire fractures/structural defects relative to DECT by reducing metal-related blooming and improving effective spatial resolution. This is clinically significant for earlier identification of BSG failure 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 detector CT contrast agent-reduced transcatheter aortic valve reconstruction planning: a comparative study.
This comparative study evaluated contrast agent–reduced CT protocols for transcatheter aortic valve reconstruction planning using photon-counting detector CT (PCDCT) in 162 BMI-matched examinations. It compared standard contrast dose (SCD; 80 mL iohexol 300 mg/mL) versus reduced contrast dose (RCD; 50 mL) and assessed virtual monoenergetic reconstructions (VMI) at 70, 60, and 50 keV (outcomes truncated). The clinical significance is that PCDCT may support lowering iodinated contrast volume for TAVR planning while maintaining reconstruction quality and diagnostic confidence.
Layer YC, Isaak A, Mesropyan N et al. · European 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, this experimental study evaluated how photon-counting detector CT (PCD-CT) ultra-high-resolution (UHR) mode and monoenergetic reconstructions at different keV (40–60 keV, plus UHR at 45/50 keV) affect detection of small aortic endoleaks. The key finding was that endoleak detectability depends on both reconstruction energy (keV) and spatial resolution mode (UHR vs standard), with performance varying across the tested settings. This is important for optimizing surveillance CT protocols after endovascular aneurysm repair to improve detection of clinically critical small endoleaks.
Szucs-Farkas Z, Perrin LG, M’Hamdi B et al. · Investigative radiology · (2026) · 1 citations · View on PubMed ↗
Breast Imaging & Cancer Characterization (PCCT/PCD-CT)
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 by comparing it with MRI, full-field digital mammography (FFDM), and 18F-FDG PET/CT. In women with lesions categorized as BI-RADS 4C or higher, multiphasic contrast-enhanced PCCT was performed and compared with reference imaging to assess feasibility and diagnostic performance. If validated, PCCT could provide a single-session alternative with improved contrast and spatial resolution 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 evaluated prone-positioned photon-counting CT (PC-CT) with iodine mapping to differentiate malignant versus benign breast masses in patients enrolled between December 2021 and August 2023. PC-CT iodine mapping and related reconstructions (monoenergetic postcontrast PC-CT C+ and virtual noncontrast PC-CT VNC) improved lesion conspicuity and reader performance for breast mass characterization compared with conventional approaches. The findings support PC-CT iodine quantification as a clinically useful, noninvasive imaging strategy to better triage breast masses and potentially reduce unnecessary biopsies.
Wilpert C, Pichotka MP, Molina-Fuentes MF et al. · Investigative radiology · (2026) · 2 citations · View on PubMed ↗
Cardiovascular Imaging & Coronary Plaque/Function (PCD-CT/PCCT)
Tracking the infiltration of gold-labelled monocytes into live human atherosclerotic plaques: Spectral photon counting CT imaging analysis.
The study tracked infiltration of gold-labeled human monocytes into live human atherosclerotic plaques using spectral photon-counting CT (SPCCT) alongside microwave plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (MP-AES) for uptake quantification. Monocytes incubated with gold nanoparticles for 24 hours were imaged in excised carotid plaque samples, enabling spectral CT analysis of gold-associated signal to infer monocyte movement into plaques. This provides a translational imaging approach to study human plaque biology and monocyte infiltration dynamics in living tissue.
Holmes D, Moghiseh M, Healy J et al. · Atherosclerosis · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
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 evaluated 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). It found that the plaque quantification tool produced reproducible results and improved workflow efficiency while maintaining comparability between PCD-CT and EID-CT measurements (specific metrics truncated). The clinical significance is that standardized, efficient quantitative plaque analysis may be more feasible for routine coronary CT angiography across different CT detector technologies.
Sipos B, Vattay B, Boussoussou M et al. · European journal of radiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Paced QRS morphology and lead location in left bundle branch area pacing assessed by photon-counting cardiac computed tomography.
In 20 patients who underwent contrast-enhanced ultra-high-resolution photon-counting cardiac CT (PC-CT) after left bundle branch area pacing (LBBAP), investigators assessed how intra-septal lead-tip location relates to paced QRS morphology across left bundle branch pacing (LBBP), left ventricular septal pacing (LVSP), and deep septal pacing (DSP). The study found measurable geometric relationships between lead-tip position (e.g., distances to LV/RV endocardium and the presumed His bundle) and septal anatomy that help explain variation in paced QRS patterns. This supports using PC-CT for precise post-implant lead localization to better understand and potentially optimize LBBAP 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 assessed the evidence base for photon-counting detector CT (PCD-CT) across cardiovascular imaging by searching MEDLINE, Embase, and Scopus (Jan 2021–Sep 2025) and including 59 heterogeneous studies. Across domains including coronary, myocardial, structural/valvular, pulmonary-cardiopulmonary function, and aortic/visceral/peripheral arteries, PCD-CT was reported to enable high-resolution, multi-energy imaging with generally favorable diagnostic performance, though protocols and endpoints varied widely. The review highlights where PCD-CT may improve cardiovascular imaging workflows and identifies key gaps needed for standardization and stronger comparative clinical evidence.
Alis D, Önal MO, Orman M et al. · Diagnostic and interventional radiology (Ankara, Turkey) · (2026) · 1 citations · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) Imaging Pathways & Surveillance
Diagnostic Imaging Pathways in Peripheral Artery Disease: A Comparative Review of Duplex Ultrasound Through Computed Tomography Angiography.
This comparative review studied contemporary noninvasive diagnostic imaging pathways for peripheral artery disease (PAD) in clinical practice, focusing on duplex ultrasound (DUS), computed tomography angiography (CTA), and magnetic resonance angiography (truncated in the abstract). It found that accurate vascular imaging is essential across the PAD care continuum—from diagnosis and risk stratification to treatment planning and postprocedural surveillance—guiding decisions between conservative therapy and endovascular or surgical revascularization. The review’s significance is that it consolidates current evidence on how DUS and CTA (and related modalities) fit into standardized PAD imaging workflows to improve clinical decision-making.
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 study evaluated how different iterative metal artifact reduction (IMAR) presets affect ultra-high-resolution photon-counting CT angiography (UHR-PCCTA) visualization of the popliteal vasculature in 25 patients with knee arthroplasty (31 lower extremities). It found that IMAR settings meaningfully influence image quality in the presence of knee prosthesis–related metal artifacts, improving the ability to assess peripheral vessels on PCCTA (details truncated). Clinically, optimizing IMAR parameters can expand the reliability of photon-counting CT angiography for peripheral artery assessment in patients with total knee endoprostheses.
Huflage H, Kunz AS, Wech T et al. · Academic radiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Advancements in imaging for endovascular treatment of peripheral artery disease.
This narrative review summarized advances in imaging used for endovascular treatment of peripheral artery disease (PAD), focusing on duplex ultrasound, computed tomography angiography (CTA), and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA). It concluded that imaging choice should be individualized to balance diagnostic accuracy, procedural planning needs, and limitations such as contrast use and artifact susceptibility. The review’s synthesis supports selecting the most appropriate modality to optimize endovascular planning and post-treatment surveillance in PAD patients.
Raskin D, Zivkovic M, Kirksey L et al. · VASA. Zeitschrift fur Gefasskrankheiten · (2026) · 1 citations · View on PubMed ↗
Vascular Inflammation & Vasculitis Detection
Quantitative iodine-mapping of photon-counting CT detects large-vessel vasculitis: A case report.
This case report studied whether photon-counting detector CT (PCCT) with retrospective iodine mapping could detect large-vessel vasculitis in a 69-year-old woman with severe headache and elevated inflammatory markers. On repeat evaluation, PCCT demonstrated concentric mural thickening of the aorta and supra-aortic branches, and iodine maps showed increased iodine concentration in the aortic wall. The significance is that PCCT iodine quantification may improve detection of large-vessel vasculitis when conventional CT/MRI/ultrasound are initially unrevealing.
Lückerath S, Euler A · Radiology case reports · (2026) · 1 citations · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Pulmonary Imaging (CTPA, Perfusion, Nodules)
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 protocols on ultra-high-resolution photon-counting detector CT (UHR-PCD-CT) image quality and volumetric accuracy across different pulmonary nodule subtypes and sizes using 15 thoracic nodule models. It found that lowering dose changes detection rate and quantitative metrics (e.g., noise, SNR, CNR) and affects nodule diameter and AI-based volumetry accuracy, with performance varying by nodule type and size (quantitative results truncated). Scientifically and clinically, the work supports defining dose-reduction limits for photon-counting CT while preserving diagnostic and measurement reliability for pulmonary nodules.
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 assessed whether ultra-high-resolution photon-counting detector CT pulmonary angiography (UHR-PCD-CTPA) improves pulmonary artery visibility and diagnostic confidence compared with dual-energy energy-integrating detector CTPA. It compared UHR-PCD-CTPA at two image quality indices (IQ50 and IQ25) against dual-energy EID-CTPA across 227 eligible examinations, using Hounsfield unit measurements and subjective ratings by three radiologists (full results truncated). The significance is that UHR-PCD-CTPA may enhance visualization of peripheral pulmonary arteries and improve reader confidence, potentially enabling better diagnosis of pulmonary embolism and related conditions.
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 pulmonary nodule detectability on an ultra-high-resolution CT (UHR-CT) system with energy-integrating detectors versus photon-counting CT (PCCT) in UHR mode using image-quality and anthropomorphic phantoms. The authors found differences in noise texture/spatial resolution metrics (noise power spectrum, task-based transfer function) that translated into modeled detection performance (d’) for three chest nodules between the two scanner platforms. These results support optimizing UHR-mode PCCT acquisition/reconstruction for more reliable small pulmonary nodule detection in clinical chest CT.
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-center study compared quantitative lobar lung perfusion measurements obtained with photon-counting CT (PCCT) against the ventilation/perfusion SPECT (V/Q-SPECT) standard in 23 patients with suspected or confirmed chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). The authors reported how lobar perfusion quantification from PCCT aligned with (or differed from) V/Q-SPECT-derived perfusion, aiming to determine whether PCCT can reproduce or improve perfusion assessment. If validated, PCCT could provide more anatomically detailed, quantitative perfusion imaging in CTEPH beyond V/Q-SPECT alone.
Moeskes MMV, Derlin T, Hunkemöller AM et al. · European radiology · (2026) · 1 citations · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Machine Learning/Radiomics & AI Denoising for PCCT
Artificial intelligence denoising in cardiac photon-counting CT: mitigating BMI-related noise degradation while maintaining clinical interchangeability.
This retrospective study tested whether an artificial intelligence-based denoising (AID) algorithm can mitigate BMI-related noise degradation in cardiac photon-counting detector CT (PCD-CT) while preserving quantitative diagnostic equivalence versus quantum iterative reconstruction (QIR). In 100 patients undergoing non-contrast coronary artery calcium (CAC) scoring and contrast-enhanced CCTA on dual-source PCD-CT, AID reconstruction reduced BMI-associated noise while maintaining strict quantitative interchangeability (subjective/quantitative outcomes truncated). The significance is that AI denoising could improve image quality and quantitative reliability for cardiac PCD-CT in higher-BMI patients.
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 (LASSO, Random Forest, XGBoost, and support vector machine) for detecting Modic type 1 changes in lumbar spine photon-counting detector CT images, using MRI as the reference standard. Across 60 patients with PCD-CT and MRI within one week, it extracted 105 radiomic features from segmented vertebrae and evaluated model diagnostic performance (full comparative results truncated). The scientific significance is that radiomics on PCD-CT may enable MRI-referenced detection of Modic type 1 changes, potentially supporting noninvasive assessment of degenerative spine pathology.
Marth AA, Fritz B, Sutter R · Skeletal radiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Neuroradiology & Brain/Neurovascular Applications
Bowel ischemia detection on portal venous CT: multireader evaluation of dual-energy and photon-counting spectral imaging.
In a retrospective single-center multireader crossover study, investigators evaluated acute bowel ischemia detection on portal-venous (PV) CT using 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). The key finding was that adding spectral reconstructions improved diagnostic performance for detecting acute bowel ischemia, with performance assessed separately by DECT and PCCT platform. Clinically, this suggests spectral/virtual monoenergetic and iodine-based reconstructions on PCCT (and DECT) may enhance ischemia detection on PV-phase CT surveillance/triage.
Mankertz F, Berger J, Maalouf N et al. · European radiology · (2026) · 2 citations · View on PubMed ↗
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 of intracranial aneurysms treated with flow diverter stents in 30 patients (32 aneurysms), comparing performance against intraoperative baseline DSA and flat-panel detector CT (VasoCT). PCD-CT demonstrated feasible stent-lumen visualization with quantitative image-quality metrics (e.g., signal-to-noise ratio) and diagnostic confidence ratings by blinded neurointerventionalists. The results indicate that PCD-CT may be a practical noninvasive option for long-term surveillance of flow-diverter-treated aneurysms when follow-up imaging is not performed at the time of treatment.
Gao JP, Bian Y, Zhang RJ et al. · European journal of radiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Urolithiasis & Stone Phenotyping (VNI/VNC/Spectral Radiomics)
Photon-counting CT-enabled urolithiasis phenotyping: virtual non-iodine reconstructions, automated measurement, and spectral radiomics.
This review article described 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 point was that PCCT’s detector-level energy discrimination and higher spatial resolution can support calcium-preserving reconstructions and quantitative spectral features that may function as imaging-derived biomarkers for stone composition. Clinically, improved noninvasive stone characterization could guide acute management, secondary prevention, and selective chemolitholysis.
Drobot RB · Abdominal radiology (New York) · (2026) · 2 citations · View on PubMed ↗
Oncology Beyond Breast (Pancreas, Pancreatic Cancer, Other Tumors)
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, investigators compared photon-counting detector CT (PCD-CT) versus dual-energy CT (DE-CT) using reference-equivalent images (70 keV virtual monoenergetic for PCD-CT; 80/Sn150 kVp blended for DE-CT). The key finding was a quantitative and qualitative difference in tumor depiction performance (e.g., tumor-to-pancreas ratio and contrast-to-noise ratio) between PCD-CT and DE-CT under these standardized reference conditions. This suggests PCCT/PCD-CT may improve contrast-based visualization of pancreatic tumors compared with conventional DECT approaches.
Niiyama T, Naruto N, Nishikawa K et al. · Abdominal radiology (New York) · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC) Imaging Staging/Prognostication
Staging and imaging-based prognostication in renal cell carcinoma: current guidelines and practical considerations.
This review summarized current guidelines and practical considerations for imaging-based staging and prognostication in renal cell carcinoma (RCC), focusing on CT and MRI multiphase approaches and how imaging biomarkers can refine preoperative risk beyond anatomic TNM labels. The key message was that integrating imaging-based prognostic markers (while accounting for guideline-specific staging workflows and pitfalls) can improve risk stratification for RCC management. Scientifically and clinically, it provides a framework for translating imaging findings into more personalized prognostic assessment.
Arita Y, Becker A, Leithner D et al. · Abdominal radiology (New York) · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Generated automatically on September 05, 2026. Covers PubMed articles published August 29, 2026 – September 05, 2026. Summaries are AI-generated; always consult the original publication for clinical or research decisions.